adjective
probable, likely, presumably
B1
'vermutlich' means probable, likely or presumably. Functioning as a modal adverb (metadata lists it as adjective) it expresses assumption or probability and is not gradable. Common in sentence-initial or pre-verbal position (‚Vermutlich kommt er‘). Antonym: tatsächlich. No special inflection or preposition required; used in formal and spoken registers.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Er kommt vermutlich erst spät zur Besprechung.
He will presumably arrive late to the meeting.
Es war vermutlich ein Missverständnis, weshalb die Verhandlung verschoben wurde.
It was probably a misunderstanding, which is why the hearing was postponed.
Es ist vermutlich besser, wenn wir morgen fahren.
It's probably better if we go tomorrow.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a grey cloud with a question mark labeled 'vermutlich' — it's probable but not certain.
Sounds like 'ver-muttle-ich' — think 'I mutter a guess' to recall 'probably/likely'.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Although often used like an adverb ('er kommt vermutlich'), dictionaries list 'vermutlich' as adjective/adverbial; it expresses probability rather than certainty.