The Word for 'But': Using 'aber' in German
aber to connect contrasting ideas while keeping normal word order and always adding a comma before it.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'aber' to connect two opposing ideas, just like the English word 'but'.
- Use 'aber' to contrast two independent clauses: 'Ich bin müde, aber ich arbeite.'
- It does not change the word order of the following clause.
- Place a comma before 'aber' when connecting two full sentences.
Overview
In German, expressing contrast, limitation, or an alternative perspective is fundamental to building nuanced sentences. The word that serves this purpose most commonly and straightforwardly at the A1 level is aber. Translating directly to "but" or "however," aber acts as a coordinating conjunction, connecting two grammatically equal parts of a sentence, typically two main clauses.
Its significance for beginners lies in its ability to introduce complexity into simple statements without altering the fundamental word order of the clauses it links. Understanding aber allows learners to move beyond merely stating facts and begin expressing more intricate ideas, such as "I like der Kaffee (coffee), but I prefer der Tee (tea)." This simple word opens up a vast array of communicative possibilities, making your German sound more natural and reflective of everyday conversation.
At its core, aber is about presenting two ideas where the second offers a counterpoint, a qualification, or an unexpected twist to the first. For instance, if you say Das Wetter ist schlecht (The weather is bad), adding aber die Party ist lustig (but the party is fun) introduces a contrasting element without negating the first statement. Both conditions can exist simultaneously.
This stands in contrast to situations where one idea completely replaces another, which necessitates a different German conjunction. For A1 learners, mastering aber is a crucial step towards articulating more complex thoughts, providing depth to your descriptions, and engaging in more dynamic dialogues.
How This Grammar Works
aber, it is essential to understand its classification as a coordinating conjunction. In German grammar, conjunctions are words that join clauses, phrases, or words. Coordinating conjunctions specifically connect elements of equal grammatical rank.weil – because, dass – that), which introduce dependent clauses and often trigger a shift in verb position to the end of the clause, aber maintains the standard Verb-Second (V2) word order in the clauses it connects.aber within a special group of German conjunctions often remembered by the acronym ADUSO: aber (but), denn (because), und (and), sondern (but, rather), oder (or). These are sometimes referred to as "Position 0 conjunctions" because they occupy a position between the two clauses they join, without counting as a grammatical position within the second clause itself. This means that after aber, the second clause begins with its subject, followed by the verb in the second position, just as it would in an independent main clause.Ich lerne Deutsch, aber es ist schwierig (I am learning German, but it is difficult), aber links the two main clauses Ich lerne Deutsch and es ist schwierig. The verb ist in the second clause remains in its natural second position.aber is a significant advantage for beginners. You do not need to concern yourself with complex verb conjugation shifts or inversions. Instead, you primarily focus on the logical relationship it establishes: a contrast or qualification.aber one of the most accessible tools for expanding sentence structure and expressing more nuanced ideas early in your German learning journey. It allows you to acknowledge one fact while simultaneously presenting another, possibly opposing, fact, thereby enriching your communication.Formation Pattern
aber follows a consistent and straightforward pattern that is highly beneficial for A1 learners due to its predictability. The fundamental structure involves linking two complete main clauses. A crucial grammatical requirement in German, differing significantly from English usage, is the mandatory comma before aber when it connects two main clauses. This comma serves to clearly delineate the boundary between the two independent thoughts.
Ich habe Hunger. (I am hungry.)
aber.
Ich habe Hunger,
aber: Insert aber immediately after the comma. Remember, it's a Position 0 conjunction.
Ich habe Hunger, aber
aber with another complete main clause. Crucially, this clause will also maintain its standard V2 word order. The subject comes first, and the conjugated verb remains in the second grammatical position.
ich habe kein Geld. (I have no money.)
Ich habe Hunger, aber ich habe kein Geld. (I am hungry, but I have no money.)
habe in the second clause ich habe kein Geld remains in the second position, directly following the subject ich. aber simply acts as a bridge without influencing the internal structure of the subsequent clause.
Das das Auto ist alt. | aber | Es fährt gut. | Das Auto ist alt, aber es fährt gut. | The car is old, but it drives well. |
Sie ist müde. | aber | Sie muss arbeiten. | Sie ist müde, aber sie muss arbeiten. | She is tired, but she has to work. |
Wir gehen ins das Kino. | aber | Wir haben nicht viel Zeit. | Wir gehen ins Kino, aber wir haben nicht viel Zeit. | We are going to the cinema, but we don't have much time. |
Der der Film ist lang, aber er ist interessant. (The film is long, but it is interesting.)
Der Film ist lang, aber interessant. (The film is long, but interesting.)
er ist is understood from the context of the first clause and can be dropped without loss of meaning, resulting in a more natural and economical sentence.
When To Use It
aber is a highly versatile conjunction used in a variety of contexts to introduce contrast, provide clarification, or highlight an unexpected element. For A1 learners, recognizing these common scenarios will greatly enhance their ability to communicate effectively and add depth to their German expressions.- 1To Express Direct Contrast or Opposition: This is the most common use of
aber. You use it when you present two facts or opinions that stand in opposition to each other, but both can be true simultaneously. It's not about negating the first statement, but rather adding a different, often opposing, piece of information.
Ich mag der Sommer, aber ich mag der Winter auch.(I like summer, but I like winter too.) – Here, the speaker likes both seasons, but presents them as contrasting preferences.Das das Essen ist gut, aber es ist teuer.(The food is good, but it is expensive.) – Both qualities (goodness and expense) are acknowledged.
- 1To Introduce a Limitation or Qualification:
aberis excellent for setting boundaries or adding specific conditions to a general statement. It allows you to refine your message and manage expectations.
Ich spreche Deutsch, aber nur ein bisschen.(I speak German, but only a little.) – The ability to speak German is qualified by the extent of that ability.Ich helfe dir, aber ich habe wenig Zeit.(I'll help you, but I have little time.) – The willingness to help is limited by time availability.
- 1To Indicate an Unexpected or Contrary Outcome: When the second clause presents something that happens despite the first clause, or something that runs contrary to an initial expectation,
aberis the appropriate choice.
Es regnet, aber ich gehe spazieren.(It's raining, but I'm going for a walk.) – Walking despite the rain is an unexpected action.Sie ist krank, aber sie lacht viel.(She is sick, but she laughs a lot.) – Her laughter is contrary to the expectation associated with being sick.
- 1To Soften a Statement or Express a Reservation: In polite communication,
abercan be used to introduce a differing opinion or a gentle objection without sounding confrontational. This is a subtle but important use.
Die die Idee ist gut, aber vielleicht nicht sehr praktisch.(The idea is good, but perhaps not very practical.) – A reservation is expressed politely.
- 1As an Emphatic Particle (Interjection): While primarily a conjunction,
abercan also function as an intensifying particle or interjection, particularly in exclamations. In this context, it doesn't connect clauses but adds emphasis, often translating to "really," "indeed," or "what a..." This usage is more idiomatic and typically encountered slightly beyond the absolute beginner stage, but it's valuable to recognize.
Das ist aber schön!(That is really beautiful! / What a beautiful thing!) –aberhere intensifiesschön.Du bist aber groß geworden!(You've grown so much!) – Emphasizing the extent of growth.
aber will significantly enhance your communicative precision in German. It allows you to articulate complexities that go beyond simple additive statements, making your speech and writing more natural and nuanced.Common Mistakes
aber. Being aware of these common mistakes, and more importantly, understanding why they are mistakes, is crucial for developing accurate German grammar.- 1Forgetting the Comma: This is arguably the most frequent error for English speakers. In English, the comma before "but" is often optional, especially in short sentences. In German, however, the comma before
aberis mandatory when it connects two independent main clauses. The absence of this comma is a clear grammatical error and can sometimes hinder readability. German grammar strictly requires punctuation to visually separate main clauses, reflecting their syntactic independence.
- Incorrect:
Ich spreche Deutsch aber ich lerne noch. - Correct:
Ich spreche Deutsch, aber ich lerne noch.(I speak German, but I am still learning.)
- 1Incorrect Word Order in the Second Clause: A common tendency among learners is to apply the verb-final word order of subordinate clauses (e.g., those introduced by
weilordass) to clauses connected byaber. This is incorrect. As a Position 0 conjunction,aberdoes not affect the word order of the subsequent main clause. The verb must remain in the second grammatical position.
- Incorrect:
Ich gehe, aber ich hier bleibe.(The verbbleibeis in the third position afterichandhier.) - Correct:
Ich gehe, aber ich bleibe hier.(I am going, but I am staying here.) – The verbbleibecorrectly occupies the second position after the subjectich.
- 1Confusing
aberwithsondern: This is perhaps the most significant challenge when learning "but" in German. Bothaberandsonderntranslate to "but" in English, yet they serve fundamentally different functions. The key distinction lies in negation and replacement.
aber(Contrast/Addition):- The first clause does not necessarily have to be negative. It can be positive or negative.
- The second clause introduces a contrast, a limitation, or an additional piece of information that does not negate or replace the first statement. Both clauses can be true.
- Think: "Yes, and however..." or "X, but Y (also true)."
- Example:
Das Haus ist nicht groß, aber es ist schön.(The house is not big, but it is beautiful.) – Both statements are true; it's not big and it's beautiful.
sondern(Correction/Replacement):- The first clause must always be negative (using
nichtorkein). - The second clause corrects or replaces the negated information in the first clause. The first statement is explicitly declared false, and the second provides the correct alternative.
- Think: "Not X, but rather Y."
- Example:
Das ist kein Apfel, sondern eine Birne.(That is not an apple, but rather a pear.) – It cannot be both an apple and a pear; the first statement is corrected by the second.
aber (but, however) | sondern (but rather, instead) |nicht, kein) |Ich bin müde, aber ich muss lernen. | Ich trinke keinen Kaffee, sondern Tee. |Sie hat kein Geld, aber sie ist glücklich. | Er kommt nicht heute, sondern morgen. |aber. If you can replace "but" with "but rather" or "instead," you almost certainly need sondern.- 1Over-Formality/Misplacement in Casual Speech: While
aberis highly versatile, using it to start a sentence can sometimes feel a bit abrupt or emphasize a strong counter-argument, more so than in English. In very formal writing,jedoch(however, nevertheless) might be preferred, but for A1,aberis perfectly acceptable.
aber vs. sondern distinction and the comma rule, you will significantly improve your grammatical accuracy and sound more authentically German.Real Conversations
Understanding how aber functions in theory is one thing; observing its use in authentic, everyday German conversations, messages, and contemporary contexts is another. aber is a cornerstone of natural communication, weaving contrasting ideas seamlessly into dialogue.
1. Casual Dialogue and Texting:
In informal settings, aber is frequently used to introduce a gentle objection, a conflicting schedule, or a quick counterpoint. The comma rule is sometimes relaxed in very casual written communication like texts or instant messages, though formally it should always be present.
- Expressing a reservation: Ich würde gern mitkommen, aber ich habe leider keine Zeit. (I'd love to come along, but unfortunately I don't have time.) – A common polite refusal.
- Offering an alternative: Das das Wetter ist schlecht, aber wir können drinnen spielen. (The weather is bad, but we can play indoors.) – A practical solution to a problem.
- In quick exchanges: Ist das schwer? Aber nein! (Is that difficult? But no! -> Of course not!) – Here, aber intensifies the negation.
In texting or social media, you'll often see shortened or elliptical forms, making communication more efficient:
- Heute viel Arbeit, aber morgen frei! (Lots of work today, but tomorrow free!) – Implied: Ich habe heute viel Arbeit, aber ich habe morgen frei.
- Film lang, aber gut. (Film long, but good.) – Implied: Der Film ist lang, aber er ist gut.
2. Social Media and Informal Writing:
aber is a common feature in captions, short posts, and online discussions to express relatable contrasts or humorous juxtapositions.
- Relatable struggles: Mein das Bett ruft, aber Netflix ist interessanter. (My bed is calling, but Netflix is more interesting.) – A lighthearted observation about everyday choices.
- Sharing opinions: Das Konzert war laut, aber die die Musik war super. (The concert was loud, but the music was great.) – A balanced opinion acknowledging both positive and negative aspects.
3. Professional and Polite Language:
Even in more formal or professional contexts, aber plays a crucial role in expressing disagreement, offering caveats, or proposing alternatives in a polite and constructive manner. It allows for nuance and avoids overly direct contradictions.
- Gentle disagreement: Ich verstehe Ihren Punkt, aber ich sehe das anders. (I understand your point, but I see it differently.) – A diplomatic way to express a differing opinion.
- Adding a condition: Wir können das Projekt starten, aber wir brauchen mehr Ressourcen. (We can start the project, but we need more resources.) – A condition is added to an agreement.
- Constructive criticism: Ihre die Präsentation war gut, aber die die Folien waren etwas unklar. (Your presentation was good, but the slides were somewhat unclear.) – Providing feedback that balances praise with an area for improvement.
4. Cultural Insight:
German communication can often be perceived as direct. However, aber provides a linguistic mechanism to temper this directness, allowing speakers to introduce counterarguments or limitations politely. It’s a tool for maintaining social harmony while still expressing one's full thought, rather than simply stating a blunt contradiction. This usage reflects a cultural value of precision in expression while also facilitating effective dialogue even when differing views are present. Learning to use aber effectively contributes to not just grammatical correctness but also socio-linguistic appropriateness.
Quick FAQ
aber, building upon the principles discussed previously.aber ever change the verb position in the following clause?No, never. aber is a Position 0 conjunction. This means it sits outside the grammatical structure of the second clause. The second clause retains its standard main clause word order (Verb-Second, or V2), where the conjugated verb is always in the second grammatical position. For example, Ich habe keine Zeit, aber ich will helfen. (I have no time, but I want to help.) The verb will is correctly in the second position after ich.
aber?Informally, yes, especially in speech or texting. It's common to hear sentences begin with Aber ich dachte... (But I thought...) or Aber warum nicht? (But why not?). This often indicates a strong objection, a correction, or an expression of surprise. Formally, it is generally discouraged. In written academic or professional contexts, it is stylistically preferred to connect aber to the preceding sentence with a comma. For A1 learners, aim to use the comma-separated structure first, and recognize the sentence-initial aber as an informal variant.
aber always translated as "but"?Predominantly, yes, it translates to "but" or "however." These are the most common and accurate translations for aber as a conjunction. However, as an intensifying particle (see "When To Use It" section), it can be translated differently, adding emphasis. For example, Das ist aber ein großes das Haus! (That is really a big house! / What a big house!) In such cases, it doesn't function as a conjunction connecting clauses. At the A1 level, focusing on "but" or "however" as its main conjunctive meaning is sufficient.
aber always mandatory in German?The mandatory comma before aber (when connecting two main clauses) is a fundamental rule of German punctuation. It serves to clearly separate independent main clauses. Unlike English, where a comma might be optional depending on the length and relationship of the clauses, German grammar places a high value on precise structural demarcation. This visual separation helps the reader immediately understand that two distinct, yet related, thoughts are being presented. It's a syntactic signal of independent clause coordination, aiding clarity and preventing misinterpretation.
aber and sondern?A very effective mnemonic is to associate aber with contrast or addition, and sondern with correction or replacement.
- If the first clause is not necessarily negative, or if both statements can logically coexist, use
aber. Think: "This is true, but also this other, contrasting thing is true." Ich bin müde, aber ich muss noch lernen.(I am tired, but I still have to study.)
- If the first clause is negative (containing
nichtorkein) and the second clause provides the correct alternative, usesondern. Think: "Not this, but rather that." Das ist kein der Hund, sondern eine die Katze.(That is not a dog, but rather a cat.)
Sentence Structure with 'aber'
| Clause 1 | Connector | Clause 2 | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ich bin müde
|
aber
|
ich arbeite
|
Ich bin müde, aber ich arbeite.
|
|
Das Wetter ist gut
|
aber
|
es ist kalt
|
Das Wetter ist gut, aber es ist kalt.
|
|
Er ist reich
|
aber
|
nicht glücklich
|
Er ist reich, aber nicht glücklich.
|
Meanings
A coordinating conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts the previous one.
Contrastive
Expressing an opposition or limitation.
“Ich möchte gehen, aber ich muss lernen.”
“Er ist reich, aber nicht glücklich.”
Emphatic Particle
Used to add emotion or surprise to a statement.
“Das ist aber schön!”
“Du bist aber groß geworden!”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Clause 1, aber Clause 2
|
Ich lerne, aber ich bin müde.
|
|
Negative
|
Clause 1 (neg), aber Clause 2 (neg)
|
Ich habe kein Geld, aber ich habe Zeit.
|
|
Question
|
Clause 1?, aber Clause 2?
|
Kommst du mit, aber hast du Zeit?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Aber + [Subject] + [Verb]
|
Aber ich muss gehen.
|
|
Emphatic
|
Das ist aber [Adjective]!
|
Das ist aber schön!
|
|
Contrast
|
Clause 1, aber Clause 2
|
Es regnet, aber wir gehen spazieren.
|
Formality Spectrum
Das Auto ist alt, jedoch ist es schnell. (Describing a vehicle)
Das Auto ist alt, aber es ist schnell. (Describing a vehicle)
Das Auto ist alt, aber echt schnell. (Describing a vehicle)
Die Karre ist alt, aber rennt wie Sau. (Describing a vehicle)
The 'Aber' Connection
Function
- Contrast Opposing ideas
Grammar
- Coordinating No word order change
Examples by Level
Ich bin müde, aber ich lerne.
I am tired, but I am studying.
Das Wetter ist schön, aber kalt.
The weather is nice, but cold.
Ich habe Hunger, aber keine Zeit.
I am hungry, but have no time.
Das ist gut, aber teuer.
That is good, but expensive.
Ich möchte ins Kino gehen, aber ich muss arbeiten.
I would like to go to the cinema, but I have to work.
Er spricht gut Deutsch, aber er macht Fehler.
He speaks German well, but he makes mistakes.
Wir haben ein Auto, aber wir fahren selten.
We have a car, but we rarely drive.
Sie ist sehr nett, aber manchmal laut.
She is very nice, but sometimes loud.
Es war ein langer Tag, aber das Ergebnis ist positiv.
It was a long day, but the result is positive.
Ich habe das Buch gelesen, aber ich habe es nicht verstanden.
I read the book, but I didn't understand it.
Das Projekt ist schwierig, aber wir schaffen das.
The project is difficult, but we will manage.
Er hat viel Geld, aber er ist nicht glücklich.
He has a lot of money, but he is not happy.
Die wirtschaftliche Lage ist stabil, aber es gibt Risiken.
The economic situation is stable, but there are risks.
Obwohl er krank war, kam er, aber er blieb nicht lange.
Although he was sick, he came, but he didn't stay long.
Die Idee ist brillant, aber in der Praxis schwer umzusetzen.
The idea is brilliant, but difficult to implement in practice.
Man kann viel planen, aber das Leben kommt dazwischen.
One can plan a lot, but life gets in the way.
Die Argumentation ist schlüssig, aber sie vernachlässigt den Kontext.
The argumentation is logical, but it neglects the context.
Es ist eine interessante Theorie, aber empirisch schwer zu belegen.
It is an interesting theory, but empirically hard to prove.
Man könnte meinen, es sei einfach, aber der Schein trügt.
One might think it is easy, but appearances are deceptive.
Die Reform ist notwendig, aber ihre Umsetzung ist umstritten.
The reform is necessary, but its implementation is controversial.
Das Werk ist zwar alt, aber von zeitloser Relevanz.
The work is indeed old, but of timeless relevance.
Man muss die Nuancen beachten, aber das Grundprinzip bleibt.
One must consider the nuances, but the basic principle remains.
Die historische Einordnung ist komplex, aber unumgänglich.
The historical classification is complex, but unavoidable.
Trotz aller Kritik ist das Ergebnis beachtlich, aber nicht perfekt.
Despite all criticism, the result is remarkable, but not perfect.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'but' in English, leading to misuse.
Both express contrast.
Both are common conjunctions.
Common Mistakes
Ich bin müde aber ich schlafe.
Ich bin müde, aber ich schlafe.
Ich bin müde, aber schlafe ich.
Ich bin müde, aber ich schlafe.
Ich habe keinen Hunger, aber ich esse.
Ich habe keinen Hunger, sondern ich esse.
Aber ich gehe.
Ich gehe, aber...
Ich mag Kaffee, aber Tee ich mag nicht.
Ich mag Kaffee, aber ich mag Tee nicht.
Das ist aber ein schönes Haus, aber es ist teuer.
Das ist aber ein schönes Haus, es ist jedoch teuer.
Er ist nicht klug, aber er ist nett.
Er ist nicht klug, sondern er ist nett.
Ich wollte gehen, aber habe ich keine Zeit gehabt.
Ich wollte gehen, aber ich hatte keine Zeit.
Es ist nicht nur teuer, aber auch schlecht.
Es ist nicht nur teuer, sondern auch schlecht.
Ich finde es gut, aber ich finde es nicht perfekt.
Ich finde es gut, aber nicht perfekt.
Er ist, aber, sehr reich.
Er ist jedoch sehr reich.
Das ist aber eine Überraschung, aber eine gute.
Das ist aber eine Überraschung, und zwar eine gute.
Aber, man muss bedenken...
Man muss jedoch bedenken...
Es ist nicht so, aber es ist anders.
Es ist nicht so, sondern anders.
Sentence Patterns
Ich mag ___, aber ___.
Das Wetter ist ___, aber ___.
Ich wollte ___, aber ___.
Einerseits ist es ___, aber andererseits ___.
Real World Usage
Kommst du? Aber bitte pünktlich!
Das Konzert war super, aber viel zu kurz.
Ich habe wenig Erfahrung, aber ich bin sehr motiviert.
Ich nehme das Steak, aber bitte ohne Soße.
Das Hotel ist schön, aber weit vom Zentrum.
Die Daten sind korrekt, es gibt jedoch Abweichungen.
The Comma Rule
Don't change word order!
Use 'sondern' for corrections
Emphatic 'aber'
Smart Tips
Use 'aber' to link them and keep the verb in the second position.
Switch from 'aber' to 'sondern'.
Consider using 'jedoch' instead of 'aber' for a more professional tone.
Use 'aber' as a modal particle.
Pronunciation
Stress
The word 'aber' is stressed on the first syllable: AH-ber.
Contrastive
Clause 1 (rising) ↗, aber (flat) → Clause 2 (falling) ↘
Signals a clear contrast between two ideas.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'aber' as a 'bridge' that connects two different sides of a river.
Visual Association
Imagine a seesaw. On one side, you have a positive thought; on the other, a negative one. 'Aber' is the pivot point in the middle.
Rhyme
Use 'aber' for a contrast, it's a simple task, just put a comma before it, that's all you have to ask.
Story
Hans wanted to go to the park. He put on his shoes. But it started to rain. He said: 'Ich will in den Park, aber es regnet.' He stayed home and read a book.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your day using 'aber' to contrast things you did vs. things you wanted to do.
Cultural Notes
Germans use 'aber' frequently in conversation to show engagement. It is not always a sign of disagreement.
In Austria, 'aber' is often used with a slightly softer tone, sometimes replaced by 'aber doch' for emphasis.
Swiss speakers often use 'aber' in combination with 'gäll' to seek confirmation.
Derived from Old High German 'abar', meaning 'again' or 'back'.
Conversation Starters
Magst du Pizza, aber mit Ananas?
Ist dein Job schwer, aber interessant?
Findest du, dass Berlin schön ist, aber zu laut?
Ist die moderne Technik hilfreich, aber gefährlich?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Ich trinke keinen Kaffee, ___ Tee.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich mag Pizza, aber ich mag nicht Pasta.
Es regnet. Wir gehen raus.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Aber' changes the word order of the second clause.
A: Ist das Essen gut? B: Ja, ...
Change 'Ich bin krank, aber ich komme' to use 'jedoch'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesIch trinke keinen Kaffee, ___ Tee.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich mag Pizza, aber ich mag nicht Pasta.
Es regnet. Wir gehen raus.
Ich bin müde, ...
'Aber' changes the word order of the second clause.
A: Ist das Essen gut? B: Ja, ...
Change 'Ich bin krank, aber ich komme' to use 'jedoch'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesIch bin im Supermarkt, ___ ich finde die Milch nicht.
Er lernt viel aber er versteht nichts.
A: Gehen wir ins Kino? B: ___
ist / teuer / das Auto / aber / es / ist / schön
I'm hungry, but I'm not eating.
Match the starts with the ends:
Mein Urlaub ist toll, ___ das Wetter ist schlecht.
Which one is right?
Ich möchte keinen Tee, aber einen Kaffee.
Kaffee ist lecker, ___ er ist ungesund.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Usually yes, but it can also be a modal particle for emphasis, like 'Das ist aber schön!'
Always directly before 'aber'.
No, it is a coordinating conjunction.
Use it only to correct a negative statement.
In informal speech, yes, but it is better to avoid it in formal writing.
It is neutral and used in all contexts.
'Aber' is neutral, 'jedoch' is more formal.
Use 'nicht nur... sondern auch'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero
Spanish has 'sino' for corrections, similar to German 'sondern'.
mais
French 'mais' is used more frequently at the start of sentences in formal writing than 'aber'.
demo
Japanese is agglutinative, so the contrast is often built into the verb conjugation.
lakin
Arabic 'lakin' often requires a pronoun suffix depending on the sentence structure.
danshi
Chinese does not use commas in the same way as German for conjunctions.
but
English 'but' covers both 'aber' and 'sondern' functions.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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