Manner adverbs show how an action is performed and often answer the question wie? They add vivid detail to descriptions of actions.
Formation
Most manner adverbs in German come from adjectives by adding -erweise or by using the adjective's neuter form in an adverbial role. Some adverbs keep the adjective form and others are fixed adverbial expressions.
Adjective + -erweise
Adjectives can become adverbs by adding -erweise to create an adverb that describes manner from the speaker's perspective. They typically modify the whole sentence.
| German Adjective | German Adverb | English Adjective | English Adverb | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| glücklich | glücklicherweise | lucky | luckily | |
| ernst | ernsterweise | serious | seriously | |
| wahrscheinlich | wahrscheinlicherweise | probable | probably | |
| freundlich | freundlicherweise | friendly | kindly |
She reacted seriously to the news.
Neuter Adjective Form
Adjectives can also be used in their neuter singular form as adverbs when placed adverbially. This form describes manner more directly and focuses on the action itself.
| German Adjective | German Adverb | English Adjective | English Adverb | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| freundlich | freundlich | friendly | friendly | |
| schnell | schnell | fast | fast | |
| langsam | langsam | slow | slowly | |
| laut | laut | loud | loudly |
Fixed Adverbial Expressions
German has set adverbial expressions for manner that do not change form and are used idiomatically in speech and writing. These often come from adjectives or nouns.
| German Expression | English Expression | German Expression | English Expression | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mit Freude | with joy | auf gut Glück | on a whim | |
| ohne Zweifel | without doubt | im Eiltempo | at lightning speed | |
| von Herzen | from the heart | mit Absicht | on purpose | |
| zum Spaß | for fun | auf jeden Fall | definitely |
Usage
Manner adverbs usually follow the verb or appear at the end of the clause to clearly modify how the action is done. They can modify an adjective, another adverb, or the entire sentence depending on placement.
Summary
Manner adverbs tell wie etwas geschieht and enrich descriptions of actions. Learn common formations and fixed expressions to make your speech more precise and natural.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025