I. Theory
Unlike in English, adverbs generally do not take a specific suffix in German. For this reason, they tend to look just like their adjectival form. In English, many adverbs (adjectives used to describe how an action is done) take the suffix: -ly. In this lesson, we will discuss more adverbs of manner, also known as “descriptive adverbs.”| Wir sind uns gestern zufällig im Park begegnet. We met yesterday by chance in the park. Ich möchte heute Abend lieber zu Hause bleiben. I’d rather stay home tonight. Dieses Projekt kann ich nicht allein schaffen. I can’t manage this project alone. |
II. Adverbs of Manner
The following list contains an additional 4 adverbs of manner that are frequently used. In the standard German sentence, the information regarding the manner in which an action is done is found in between time and place information. However, it is common to see adverbs at the beginning of sentences as well.Lieber
| Ich trinke lieber Wein zum Abendessen. I prefer wine with dinner. Schwimmst du lieber in einem See oder in einem Schwimmbad? Do you prefer to swim in lakes or in pools? |
Allein
| Ich arbeite lieber allein. I prefer to work alone. Die Kinder müssen ihre Hausaufgaben allein machen. The children need to do their homework alone. |
Zufällig
| Haben Sie zufällig Feuer? Do you have a light by chance? Der Unfall ist nicht zufällig geschehen. Es war Absicht. The accident didn’t happen by chance. It was done on purpose. |
Offensichtlich
| Da dein Name darauf steht, gehört dieses Buch offensichtlich dir. Since your name is on it, this book clearly belongs to you. Man kann den Verbrecher ganz offensichtlich auf dem Video sehen. You can clearly see the criminal on camera. |