vielleicht

Meaning

1. perhaps, maybe
2. frequently replaces bitte (“please”) in polite questions
3. (colloquial) expresses amazement or excitement, particularly at something negative

Concepts

perhaps

maybe

possibly

probably

mayhap

can be

by some chance

certainly

surely

ablins

peradventure

perchance

could be

may

may be

might

don’t you agree

it is possible

it may be

it is not unlikely

aiblins

ablings

at a pinch

conceivably

haply

mayhappen

praps

Pronounced as (IPA)

/fiˈlaɪ̯çt/

Etymology

From Middle High German vil līchte (“very easily”), thus: “what could easily happen”. Compare the same in German Low German villicht, Dutch wellicht, Saterland Frisian fielicht.

Sentences

Aber ich versteh es vielleicht ja nur jetzt nicht , ich weiß nicht so .

But maybe I just don't get it now, I don't know.

Wir müssen vielleicht gar nicht so weit in die Ferne blicken .

Perhaps we do not have to look too far.

Beim Stockholmer Programm geht es vielleicht um das Gesetz , jedoch nicht um Gerechtigkeit .

The Stockholm Programme may be about law, but it is not about justice.

Er bekleckert sich vielleicht mit Rum , aber bestimmt nicht mit Ruhm .

It may cover itself with rum, but certainly not with fame.