Zuweilen

Zuweilen is a German adverb meaning now and then or occasionally. It signals that an event occurs only infrequently or intermittently. In contemporary usage it tends to appear in written, especially formal, literary, or historical contexts rather than in everyday speech.

The word is formed from zu- plus Weile, meaning a while or a period of time. This etymology gives a sense of “at times” or “for a while.” Zuweilen is used as an adverb and is not inflected; it can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a clause.

In terms of register and tone, zuweilen often carries a slightly old-fashioned or literary flavour. It is a close synonym of gelegentlich and manchmal, but it may feel more formal or reflective in tone. Writers may prefer zuweilen when aiming for a measured, contemplative mood, whereas statt more common words might be chosen for everyday conversation.

Examples:

Zuweilen sitzt er am Fenster und hört dem Regen zu. Translation: Now and then he sits by the window listening to the rain.

Zuweilen fragt man sich, ob der Plan wirklich funktionieren wird. Translation: Now and then one wonders whether the plan will really work.