B1 Informal Supposition
„Er muß wohl krank sein."
I suppose he is ill.
What does „Er muß wohl krank sein." mean in German?
„Er muß wohl krank sein." means "I suppose he is ill.." Literally: "He must indeed sick be.."
Literal Translation
"He must indeed sick be."
Er He
muß must
wohl indeed
krank sick
sein be
English Equivalent
"He must be ill."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
'müssen' + 'wohl' = probably
Modern Form
Modern spelling: „Er muss wohl krank sein."
When is this idiom used?
Informal
This expression is used in informal, casual German conversation among friends and family.
Related Words
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Test your knowledge of Er muß wohl krank sein.
Related Idioms
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Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
„Er brach kurz ab."
He stopped short.
„Sie sitzen noch auf der ABC-Bank."
They are still beginners.
„Es drückt mir das Herz ab."
It breaks my heart.
