Meaning
To introduce a new, related topic or additional information.
Cultural Background
Germans use 'übrigens' to maintain 'Ordnung' (order) in conversation. It signals that the speaker knows they are going off-topic. In Austria, 'übrigens' is often used with a softer intonation, sometimes replaced by 'nebenbei' to sound less direct. Swiss German speakers use 'übrigens' in High German contexts, but in dialect, they might use 'andersch' or 'au no'. In German Slack or Teams channels, 'übrigens' is the standard way to introduce a 'FYI' (For Your Information).
The 'Mittelfeld' Trick
For the most natural sound, put 'übrigens' after the first verb and the subject. 'Ich habe übrigens...' sounds 10x more native than starting with it.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every three sentences, you'll sound scattered and disorganized. Limit it to 1-2 times per conversation.
Meaning
To introduce a new, related topic or additional information.
The 'Mittelfeld' Trick
For the most natural sound, put 'übrigens' after the first verb and the subject. 'Ich habe übrigens...' sounds 10x more native than starting with it.
Don't Overuse
If you use it every three sentences, you'll sound scattered and disorganized. Limit it to 1-2 times per conversation.
Softening Bad News
Sometimes Germans use 'übrigens' to drop bad news gently, like 'Übrigens, ich kann doch nicht kommen.' It makes it feel less like a confrontation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word order.
Ich habe ein neues Auto. Übrigens ________ (ich / haben) auch ein neues Fahrrad.
After 'Übrigens' at the start of a sentence, the verb must come first (Position 2).
Which word fits best to introduce a side-note?
Wir gehen heute Abend essen. ________, hast du den Tisch reserviert?
'Übrigens' is the correct discourse marker for a side-note question.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Ich fahre am Wochenende nach München. B: Oh, schön! ________, meine Schwester wohnt dort.
B is adding a related piece of information about their sister.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Übrigens, die Rechnung ist noch nicht bezahlt.'
This is a typical professional side-note regarding administration.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe ein neues Auto. Übrigens ________ (ich / haben) auch ein neues Fahrrad.
After 'Übrigens' at the start of a sentence, the verb must come first (Position 2).
Wir gehen heute Abend essen. ________, hast du den Tisch reserviert?
'Übrigens' is the correct discourse marker for a side-note question.
A: Ich fahre am Wochenende nach München. B: Oh, schön! ________, meine Schwester wohnt dort.
B is adding a related piece of information about their sister.
Sentence: 'Übrigens, die Rechnung ist noch nicht bezahlt.'
This is a typical professional side-note regarding administration.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in casual speech, e.g., 'Ich komme morgen, übrigens.' It sounds like a true afterthought.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Apropos' needs a keyword from the previous sentence. 'Übrigens' can introduce anything.
Yes, if it's at the start, the verb must come next. 'Übrigens *ist*...'
It's better to use 'zudem' or 'darüber hinaus' in formal writing.
Yes, 'übrig bleiben' means 'to be left over'. 'Übrigens' is the adverbial form.
In the North, it's like 'ch' (/ç/). In the South, it's more like 'k' (/k/).
No, the correct phrase is 'Ganz nebenbei'.
Yes, it is very common in Swiss Standard German.
The closest equivalent is 'by the way' or 'incidentally'.
Related Phrases
nebenbei
synonymon the side
apropos
similarspeaking of
außerdem
builds onbesides / in addition
zudem
specialized formmoreover
