The idea
Use ungefähr for approximately. Use etwa for approximately, also used in other question and example patterns. Read the complete sentence before choosing: the object, situation, time reference and relationship between speakers can determine the better expression. Where the meanings overlap, both can be possible with a different emphasis. The reference table states the senses taught here; other dictionary senses may require a different translation.
| Expression | Meaning in comparison |
|---|---|
| ungefähr | „Ungefähr“ nennt einen Näherungswert. |
| etwa | „Etwa“ kann ebenfalls einen Näherungswert nennen. |
Examples
- Der Karton wiegt ungefähr fünf Kilo.The box weighs approximately five kilograms.
- Die Besprechung dauert etwa eine halbe Stunde.The meeting lasts about half an hour.
- Ungefähr zwanzig Personen haben zugesagt.Approximately twenty people have accepted.
- Ist das etwa dein Fahrrad vor der Tür?Is that your bicycle by the door, by any chance?
- Bis zum Eingang sind es ungefähr zweihundert Meter.It is about two hundred metres to the entrance.
- Etwa jede dritte Person wählt den frühen Termin.About one person in three chooses the early appointment.
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Watch out
Etwa in a surprised question is not simply an approximate amount.
Try it yourself
What does “ungefähr” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “etwa”.
Show answer or example answer
„Ungefähr“ nennt einen Näherungswert. „Etwa“ kann ebenfalls einen Näherungswert nennen.
ungefähr matches approximately; the German definition gives the intended sense.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Die Besprechung dauert etwa eine halbe Stunde.
Show answer or example answer
etwa: „Etwa“ kann ebenfalls einen Näherungswert nennen.
Die Besprechung dauert etwa eine halbe Stunde. uses etwa for approximately, also used in other question and example patterns. The answer depends on this context, not only on the spelling of the word.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “ungefähr” and “etwa” in different situations.
Show answer or example answer
Mögliche Lösungen: Ungefähr zwanzig Personen haben zugesagt. Ist das etwa dein Fahrrad vor der Tür?
The model pair keeps the meanings separate: ungefähr expresses approximately, whereas etwa expresses approximately, also used in other question and example patterns. Other original sentences are possible if their context supports the chosen sense.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
What does “ungefähr” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “etwa”.
„Ungefähr“ nennt einen Näherungswert. „Etwa“ kann ebenfalls einen Näherungswert nennen.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Die Besprechung dauert etwa eine halbe Stunde.
etwa: „Etwa“ kann ebenfalls einen Näherungswert nennen.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “ungefähr” and “etwa” in different situations.
Mögliche Lösungen: Ungefähr zwanzig Personen haben zugesagt. Ist das etwa dein Fahrrad vor der Tür?
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe two real situations from your day, using ungefähr in one and etwa in the other. Underline the detail that makes the chosen meaning appropriate. If both expressions could fit, explain the change in emphasis rather than marking the alternative automatically wrong.