unter Umständen
Under circumstances
직역: under circumstances
Use it when you want to say 'maybe' while sounding professional and thoughtful.
15초 만에
- A more sophisticated, formal way to say 'maybe' or 'possibly'.
- Implies that an outcome depends on specific, unnamed conditions.
- Perfect for business, polite declines, or cautious predictions.
뜻
This phrase is a polite and slightly formal way to say 'possibly' or 'under certain conditions.' It suggests that something might happen, but it depends on the situation.
주요 예문
3 / 6In a business meeting
Wir müssen das Projekt unter Umständen verschieben.
We might have to postpone the project under certain circumstances.
Texting a friend about plans
Ich komme unter Umständen etwas später zum Essen.
I might potentially arrive a bit later for dinner.
Talking to a doctor
Die Heilung kann unter Umständen länger dauern.
The healing process could potentially take longer.
문화적 배경
This phrase reflects the German cultural emphasis on 'Sorgfalt' (diligence) and 'Genauigkeit' (precision). It allows speakers to remain truthful about uncertainty while maintaining a professional and serious tone. It is a staple in German 'Beamtendeutsch' (bureaucratic German) but has transitioned perfectly into everyday adult life.
The Modal Verb Trick
Pair this phrase with `könnte` (could) to sound like a native speaker who is being extra diplomatic.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like a lawyer. Save it for when you actually mean 'it depends.'
15초 만에
- A more sophisticated, formal way to say 'maybe' or 'possibly'.
- Implies that an outcome depends on specific, unnamed conditions.
- Perfect for business, polite declines, or cautious predictions.
What It Means
Imagine you are not ready to commit 100%. You want to say 'maybe,' but with a bit more weight. Unter Umständen is your go-to phrase. It literally translates to 'under circumstances.' It suggests that if the conditions are right, something might happen. It is like saying 'potentially' or 'possibly' in English. It adds a layer of professional caution to your speech. It is the linguistic equivalent of a 'proceed with caution' sign.
How To Use It
You usually drop this phrase into the middle of your sentence. It loves to hang out with modal verbs like können. For example, Das könnte unter Umständen klappen means 'That could potentially work.' You do not need to change the phrase at all. It stays exactly as it is. It functions like an adverb in your sentence structure. Just slide it in after the verb or the subject. It is surprisingly easy to use once you get the hang of it.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound polite and considered. It is perfect for the office or talking to a landlord. If a friend asks if you can help them move, and you are not sure, use it. It sounds less flaky than a simple 'maybe.' It implies you are actually thinking about the factors involved. It is also great for technical or medical contexts. In these fields, nothing is ever 100% certain. It shows you are being realistic.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for things that are definitely going to happen. If you say Ich komme unter Umständen zur Hochzeit, your friend might get annoyed. It sounds like you are looking for an excuse to skip. Also, do not use it in very high-energy, casual slang environments. It is a bit too 'adult' for a wild night out. Stick to vielleicht or mal schauen in those cases. Using it with your toddler might also feel a bit weird.
Cultural Background
Germans value honesty and precision. If a German says 'yes,' they usually mean it. If they are not sure, they will not lie just to be nice. Unter Umständen is a linguistic tool for this cultural trait. It allows for uncertainty without being vague. It shows you have thought about the Umstände (circumstances). It is a very 'safe' and respected way to communicate. It reflects the German desire to be accurate and reliable.
Common Variations
You might hear gegebenenfalls, which is even more formal. It means 'if the case arises.' Another cousin is eventuell, which is very common and slightly less formal. If you want to be super casual, just use vielleicht. But if you want to sound like you have your life together, stick with unter Umständen. It makes you sound like a pro.
사용 참고사항
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly effective in professional settings to avoid over-promising, but it can sound slightly distancing in very intimate relationships.
The Modal Verb Trick
Pair this phrase with `könnte` (could) to sound like a native speaker who is being extra diplomatic.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you'll sound like a lawyer. Save it for when you actually mean 'it depends.'
The 'German No'
Sometimes, when a German says 'unter Umständen nicht,' they are politely telling you 'no.' It's a soft way to break bad news.
예시
6Wir müssen das Projekt unter Umständen verschieben.
We might have to postpone the project under certain circumstances.
This sounds much more professional than just saying 'maybe we'll move it.'
Ich komme unter Umständen etwas später zum Essen.
I might potentially arrive a bit later for dinner.
A polite way to warn someone you might be running behind.
Die Heilung kann unter Umständen länger dauern.
The healing process could potentially take longer.
Commonly used in medical contexts to manage expectations.
Mein Hund ist unter Umständen der faulste Hund der Welt.
My dog is potentially the laziest dog in the world.
Using a formal phrase for a silly topic creates a funny contrast.
Das könnte unter Umständen unsere letzte Chance sein.
This could potentially be our last chance.
Adds a sense of gravity and seriousness to the statement.
Könnten Sie mir unter Umständen dabei helfen?
Could you potentially help me with this?
Makes the request sound very polite and non-demanding.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct phrase to make the sentence sound more professional.
Wir müssen den Termin ___ absagen.
`Unter Umständen` fits the professional tone required for canceling an appointment.
Complete the sentence to express a cautious possibility.
Das Auto ist ___ noch zu reparieren.
This suggests that repair is possible if the conditions are right.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Ways to say 'Maybe' in German
Casual, everyday use
Vielleicht gehen wir ins Kino.
Neutral, very common
Ich komme eventuell später.
Professional and cautious
Das ist unter Umständen möglich.
Very formal/Bureaucratic
Wir senden Ihnen ggf. Post.
Where to use 'Unter Umständen'
Office Meeting
Project delays
Doctor's Visit
Recovery time
Polite Excuses
Being late
Technical Support
Fixing a bug
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not quite. While both mean 'maybe,' unter Umständen is more formal and suggests that specific conditions must be met.
Yes, but it sounds a bit more serious. Use it when discussing plans that aren't certain, like Ich schaffe es unter Umständen nicht.
No, the phrase is fixed. Umständen is already the dative plural form of Umstand (circumstance).
Yes! You can say Unter Umständen müssen wir warten. Just remember to flip the verb and subject.
Absolutely. It is a very common way to express possibilities or risks in professional writing.
OON-ter OOM-shten-den. Make sure to emphasize the 'Um' in Umständen.
The opposite would be auf jeden Fall (definitely) or sicherlich (certainly).
No, it is used throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Not at all. It is a modern, standard phrase used by adults every day.
Yes, like Wir können unter Umständen früher gehen. (We might be able to leave earlier.)
관련 표현
eventuell
possibly / potentially
gegebenenfalls
if necessary / if applicable
möglicherweise
possibly
je nach Situation
depending on the situation
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