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 adverbs of manner, also known as “descriptive adverbs.”| Spielst du gern Tennis? Do you like to play tennis? Hoffentlich werden wir Zeit haben, dich nächste Woche zu besuchen. Hopefully we will have time to visit you next week. Natürlich braucht man eine Eintrittskarte für das Museum. Of course you need a ticket for the museum. |
II. Adverbs of MannerThe following list contains 4 adjectives 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.
Hoffentlich
| Hoffentlich wird das Wetter am Wochenende warm. Hopefully the weather will be warm this weekend. In meinem neuen Job kann ich jetzt hoffentlich genug Geld für den Urlaub sparen. With my new job, I can now hopefully save enough money for vacation. |
Hauptsächlich
| Wir lesen im Kurs hauptsächlich deutsche Romane. We read mainly German novels in the course. Ich interessiere mich hauptsächlich für deutsche Folklore. I am mainly interested in German folklore. |
Gern(e)
Happily/with pleasure but mainly conveys “to like”. The “e” appearing on the end is optional but is often found when answering a question with this adverb. Both forms can be used interchangeably.| Wir trinken Tee gern im Garten. We like to drink tea in the garden. - Kannst du mir morgen helfen? - Sehr gerne. - Can you help me tomorrow? - With pleasure. |
Kaum
| Am Wochenende habe ich kaum Freizeit. On the weekend, I barely have any free time. Sie spricht so leise, dass ich sie kaum verstehen kann. She speaks so softly that I can hardly understand her. |