etwa
Translation
about, approximately, for example, by any chance
Examples
Die Fahrt dauert etwa eine Stunde.
The trip takes about an hour.
Manche Tiere, etwa der Bär, halten Winterschlaf.
Some animals, for example the bear, hibernate.
Hast du etwa meine Schokolade gegessen?
Don't tell me you ate my chocolate?
Grammar Patterns
((etwa)) + [number] approximately It costs about 20 euros.
((etwa)) + [noun] for example Wild animals, for example lions, are dangerous.
((etwa)) in a question by any chance Are you sick, by any chance?
Similar Words
Synonyms: ungefähr (approximately), circa (approx.), zum Beispiel (for example), vielleicht (perhaps)
Etymology
Related to 'etwas' (something). The original sense was 'something like that amount', which developed into 'approximately'.
Memory Tips
Remember its three main uses: 1. 'approximately' with numbers. 2. 'for example' with nouns. 3. 'by any chance' or to express surprise in questions.