Bedeutung
Doing something during a break.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Russian workplaces, 'между делом' often refers to the informal exchange of information that happens outside of official meetings, such as in the 'курилка' (smoking room) or by the water cooler. Classic authors like Chekhov use this phrase to show how characters treat life-changing events with mundane indifference, reflecting a specific type of Russian fatalism. With the rise of the 'gig economy' in Moscow and St. Petersburg, 'между делом' is now frequently used to describe side hustles or freelance work done during a main job. Russian parents often use this phrase to encourage children to be helpful without making a big deal out of chores.
Sound like a native
Use 'между делом' when you want to sound humble about your productivity. It makes your efforts seem effortless.
Don't over-decline
Never change 'делом' to other cases. It is a fixed adverbial block.
Bedeutung
Doing something during a break.
Sound like a native
Use 'между делом' when you want to sound humble about your productivity. It makes your efforts seem effortless.
Don't over-decline
Never change 'делом' to other cases. It is a fixed adverbial block.
Strategic usage
In a negotiation, use 'между делом' to bring up a difficult topic. It lowers the tension.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing phrase to complete the sentence.
Я не планировал это обсуждать, просто сказал _________.
The fixed phrase 'между делом' is used to mean 'in passing'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Select the natural Russian sentence:
The first sentence correctly describes an incidental task done while waiting.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
— Как ты узнал, что офис переезжает? — Да начальник _________ упомянул на собрании.
Mentioning something incidentally during a meeting is a classic use of 'между делом'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenЯ не планировал это обсуждать, просто сказал _________.
The fixed phrase 'между делом' is used to mean 'in passing'.
Select the natural Russian sentence:
The first sentence correctly describes an incidental task done while waiting.
— Как ты узнал, что офис переезжает? — Да начальник _________ упомянул на собрании.
Mentioning something incidentally during a meeting is a classic use of 'между делом'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
4 FragenYes, it's acceptable in consultative business writing to describe secondary tasks, but avoid it in very formal legal contracts.
It's similar to 'by the way' when used for speaking, but 'между делом' can also describe physical actions, which 'by the way' cannot.
On the contrary! It usually implies you are so busy and efficient that you can fit extra tasks into your schedule.
The opposite would be 'целенаправленно' (purposefully) or 'сосредоточенно' (with focus).
Verwandte Redewendungen
мимоходом
synonymIn passing / while walking by
попутно
similarAlong the way / concurrently
заодно
similarAt the same time / while at it
в свободное время
contrastIn one's free time
к слову сказать
builds onBy the way / speaking of which
