schließlich

Schließlich is a German adverb used to indicate a conclusion or outcome after a sequence of events, roughly translating to “finally,” “in the end,” or “after all.” It functions as a sentence adverb and is common in both spoken and written German.

Usage and meaning

Schließlich signals that a former discussion, series of events, or considerations have led to a result. It can introduce a conclusion, a decision, or a turning point. In many contexts it carries a sense of inevitability or order after deliberation. Examples: “Wir haben lange diskutiert; schließlich haben wir uns entschieden.” (We argued for a long time; in the end we decided.) “Schließlich kam er doch vorbei.” (He finally came by.)

Position in sentences

Schließlich is versatile: it can appear at the beginning of a clause or sentence, or within it. When placed at the start, it often emphasizes the concluding point. When used mid-sentence, it can add a justification or consequence: “Es war teuer, schließlich mussten wir sparen.” (It was expensive; after all we had to save.)

Synonyms and nuance

Similar expressions include letztlich, letztendlich, and am Ende, though each carries slightly different emphasis or formality. Schlussendlich tends to be more emphatic or formal than schließlich. In everyday language, schließlich often conveys a practical resolution after consideration rather than a dramatic finale.

Etymology and related terms

Schließlich derives from Schluss (end, conclusion) with the suffix -lich, indicating a relating to the end. Related words include Schlussfolgerung (conclusion) and schließlich also overlaps in meaning with am Ende.