adjective
of course, naturally, self-evident
B1
Selbstverständlich means 'of course' (adverb) or 'self-evident'/'natural' (adjective). It's gradable: comparative 'selbstverständlicher' and superlative 'am selbstverständlichsten'. Commonly used as a modal particle to agree or state obviousness. No irregularities; can modify nouns or entire clauses and functions also as an adverb.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Der Manager sagte, dass es selbstverständlich war, die Sicherheitsregeln zu befolgen, obwohl einige Mitarbeiter Zweifel äußerten.
The manager said that following the safety rules was self-evident, although some employees expressed doubts.
Selbstverständlich helfe ich dir beim Umzug.
Of course I'll help you move.
Es ist nicht immer selbstverständlich, dass alle Informationen korrekt sind.
It's not always self-evident that all information is correct.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Imagine someone pointing at themselves and saying 'of course' with a shrug — that immediate certainty = selbstverständlich.
self + evident → 'self-evident' reminds you it's 'selbstverständlich'.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Although listed as an adjective, 'selbstverständlich' is very commonly used adverbially to mean 'of course' or 'naturally'.