B1 Expression Neutral

Por cierto

By the way

Bedeutung

Introducing a new, related topic or a sudden thought.

🌍

Kultureller Hintergrund

In Spain, 'Por cierto' is often used to interrupt politely. Spanish conversation is highly interactive, and this phrase is a socially acceptable way to 'cut in' with a new idea. Mexicans might use 'Por cierto' followed by a diminutive to sound even friendlier. It's part of the 'cortesía' (politeness) culture. In the Rioplatense region, 'Por cierto' is common, but you'll also hear 'A propósito' used very frequently in the same way, sometimes with a more emphatic tone. In formal Colombian speech, 'Por cierto' is used to maintain a high level of eloquence in conversation, showing that the speaker is organized in their thoughts.

🎯

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'Por cierto' when it starts a sentence. It helps the listener prepare for the topic change.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use it too much, you might sound like you have a short attention span. Use it once or twice per conversation.

Bedeutung

Introducing a new, related topic or a sudden thought.

🎯

The Comma Rule

Always put a comma after 'Por cierto' when it starts a sentence. It helps the listener prepare for the topic change.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use it too much, you might sound like you have a short attention span. Use it once or twice per conversation.

💬

The 'Columbo' Move

In negotiations, use 'Por cierto' at the end to bring up a tough point casually. It makes the point seem less aggressive.

Teste dich selbst

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to change the topic.

Me gusta mucho tu perro. ________, ¿cómo se llama?

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto

You are changing the topic from 'liking the dog' to 'asking its name'.

Which sentence uses 'Por cierto' correctly?

Choose the best option:

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto, ¿has visto mis llaves?

This is the standard usage for introducing a new question.

Complete the dialogue naturally.

A: 'La cena está lista.' B: '¡Qué bien! ________, ¿compraste vino?'

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto

B is adding a related thought about the dinner.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are talking about a movie and suddenly remember you need to call your mom.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto, tengo que llamar a mi madre.

'Por cierto' is used for sudden realizations.

Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.

Match the following:

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto - By the way

These are the standard translations.

🎉 Ergebnis: /5

Visuelle Lernhilfen

Por cierto vs Por supuesto

Por cierto
By the way Transition
Por supuesto
Of course Agreement

Aufgabensammlung

5 Aufgaben
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to change the topic. Fill Blank A2

Me gusta mucho tu perro. ________, ¿cómo se llama?

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto

You are changing the topic from 'liking the dog' to 'asking its name'.

Which sentence uses 'Por cierto' correctly? Choose B1

Choose the best option:

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto, ¿has visto mis llaves?

This is the standard usage for introducing a new question.

Complete the dialogue naturally. dialogue_completion A2

A: 'La cena está lista.' B: '¡Qué bien! ________, ¿compraste vino?'

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto

B is adding a related thought about the dinner.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B1

You are talking about a movie and suddenly remember you need to call your mom.

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto, tengo que llamar a mi madre.

'Por cierto' is used for sudden realizations.

Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent. Match A1

Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:

✓ Richtig! ✗ Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Por cierto - By the way

These are the standard translations.

🎉 Ergebnis: /5

Häufig gestellte Fragen

4 Fragen

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional emails to introduce a related point.

They are synonyms, but 'A propósito' can also mean 'on purpose'.

No, it is a simple connector and does not change the mood of the verb.

It is always 'Por cierto'. 'Para cierto' is incorrect.

Verwandte Redewendungen

🔄

A propósito

synonym

On purpose / By the way

🔗

Dicho sea de paso

similar

Incidentally

🔗

Por supuesto

contrast

Of course

🔗

Además

builds on

Furthermore

🔗

En fin

contrast

Anyway / In short

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