offensichtlich

Offensichtlich is a German adjective and adverb meaning obvious, evident, or apparent. It describes something that is readily perceived or understood, or a conclusion that follows clearly from the available facts. In predicative use it often appears after forms of sein: Es ist offensichtlich, dass … In attributive use it can modify a noun, for example: ein offensichtlicher Fehler, offensichtliche Gründe, das offensichtliche Problem.

Etymology and sense: The word is formed from offen (open) with the suffix -lich, giving the sense of something that is open to view or easily seen. The semantic core is that of clarity and perceptibility, rather than merely probable or suspected.

Usage and nuance: When something is described as offensichtlich, the speaker signals that there is little or no doubt about it. It is stronger than synonyms like deutlich or klar, but it can carry a sense of subjectivity depending on context. It is sometimes contrasted with offenbar, which means apparently or seemingly, suggesting a conclusion that may still be open to interpretation.

Grammar notes: Offensichtlich behaves as an ordinary attributive adjective and as a predicative adverb. It is declined like other adjectives depending on article presence: ein offensichtlicher Fehler, die offensichtlichen Beweise; Es ist offensichtlich; es war offensichtlich, dass … In noun form, the related noun is Offensichtlichkeit, meaning obviousness or conspicuousness.

See also: Offenheit (openness) and offenkundig as related terms; Offensichtlichkeit is the noun form referring to the quality of being obvious.