How to use the word "wohl"? While attempting to read books and stories in German, I frequently come across the word "wohl". I have a pretty good idea of what it means when I see it, but don't feel confident yet trying to use the word myself. I think the problem is that, while I recognize what the word means in a given context, I just don't really understand why it's there in the first place. There appear to be many different definitions of this word. For example, dict.cc defines it as: well; probably; arguably; indeed; perhaps; surely; possibly; doubtless; to be sure. In the book I'm reading right now, there are instances where "wohl" is used, such as: "Anna und ich fragten uns wie sie wohl in den Rinnstein geraten war." "Die Kreatur fühlte sich warm und weich an, wie matschiges Rührei. Ich schnappte mie ein paar Papiertücher und wischte mir die Hand ab. Was für ein Tier ist das wohl?" Here I can understand from the context that "wohl" is used to emphasize the sense of confusion and bewilderment that the main character feels while trying to figure out what kind of creature he's dealing with. I'm guessing that the last sentence means something along the lines of "Just what kind of animal is this exactly?" But I don't understand why they would say "wohl" here instead of "Was für ein Tier ist das eigentlich?" or something like that. I would really like make this word a part of my regular vocabulary, but I don't have a sense for when it's appropriate to use it and it feels unnatural to me somehow. Can someone please give me their general thoughts about the word and explain when German speakers feel the need to use it? How would YOU use "wohl" in a sentence and why would it be better than using some other similar word in that situation? Please explain the word "wohl" to me.