I. Recap
In this lesson we will review four German flavoring particles in further depth as the context in which they are used can be very specific at times. For each particle, we will review its meaning and look at further examples of how it is used.II. Flavoring Particles (doch, eigentlich, wohl, mal)
Doch
This particle is most commonly used to affirm a negative question or statement. It is also added to sentences to stress validity of the statement. Lastly, it can be used to express disbelief.| - Morgen wird es nicht regnen. - Doch, morgen wird es den ganzen Tag regnen. - Tomorrow, it won’t rain. - No, tomorrow it’s (actually) going to rain the entire day. - Man darf nicht hier rauchen oder? - Doch! - You can’t smoke here, right? - No, you can. Geschichte ist nicht mein Gebiet, aber ich kenne mich doch damit aus. History isn’t my area of study, but I still know about it. Das ist doch nicht wahr! That certainly isn’t true! Das ist doch nicht lustig! This really isn’t funny! |
Eigentlich
Used in the same way as “actually” or “in fact” in English.| Was machst du eigentlich morgen? What are you actually doing tomorrow? Wissen wir eigentlich, wann er zurück aus Berlin kommt? Do we actually know when he is coming back from Berlin? |
Wohl
Expresses probability and thus is comparable to “probably” or “likely” in English.| Du willst wohl nicht mitkommen, oder? You probably don’t want to come with us, right? Der Flug nach Tokio wird wohl lange dauern. The flight to Tokyo will likely take a long time. Sie wird wohl ihren langjährigen Freund heiraten. She will probably marry her long-time boyfriend. |
Mal
Used to soften statements, like “just” does in English.| Guck mal! (Just) take a look. Kommt mal her! Come here for a second! Ich muss mir das mal anschauen. I’ll have to check it out sometime. |