German · Time, Numbers & Colors
"Sometimes" in German: manchmal
manchmal
Sometimes in German is manchmal. Put it early: Manchmal gehe ich zu Fuß. Softer options include ab und zu and gelegentlich.
Commuting
Manchmal nehme ich den Bus statt der Bahn.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce manchmal
Say it
MAHNCH-mahl
/ˈmançmaːl/
MAHNCH-mahl. Soft ch as in ich; clear mahl. Stress on first syllable.
"Sometimes" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| manchmal | sometimes Default adverb. | Default adverb. |
| ab und zu | now and then Softer frequency. | Softer frequency. |
| gelegentlich | occasionally Slightly more formal. | Slightly more formal. |
| von Zeit zu Zeit | from time to time Phrase alternative. | Phrase alternative. |
How to use manchmal in real life
- 1Commuting
Manchmal nehme ich den Bus statt der Bahn.
Sometimes I take the bus instead of the train.
Manchmal first.
- 2Food habits
Ich koche manchmal scharf, aber nicht immer.
I sometimes cook spicy, but not always.
Manchmal mid-clause.
- 3Friendship
Wir treffen uns manchmal nur online.
We sometimes only meet online.
Manchmal before nur.
Mistakes English speakers make with manchmal
Incorrect: Ich manchmal gehe.
Correct: Manchmal gehe ich. / Ich gehe manchmal.
Verb stays in second position; do not sandwich it wrong.
Incorrect: some times gehe ich
Correct: Manchmal gehe ich
One word: manchmal.
Good to know
Manchmal is everyday and neutral. For very rare events people prefer selten; for habit they prefer oft or regelmäßig. Frequency words are a big part of small talk.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Talking about weekend habits
ChatPal
Gehst du manchmal wandern?
Do you sometimes go hiking?
You
Manchmal ja, wenn das Wetter passt.
Sometimes yes, when the weather fits.
ChatPal
Ich bleibe manchmal lieber im Café.
I sometimes prefer staying in a café.
You
Das mache ich auch manchmal.
I do that sometimes too.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Sometimes" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Sometimes" in German
Where does manchmal go?
Often first, or after the finite verb: Ich gehe manchmal.
What is softer than manchmal?
Ab und zu or gelegentlich.
Opposite ideas?
Immer (always), nie (never), oft (often).
One word or two?
One word: manchmal.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
