In 15 Seconds
- Use it to list examples without naming every single item.
- Works in both professional emails and casual coffee chats.
- Often abbreviated as 'u. a.' in written German.
Meaning
Use this phrase when you want to mention a few examples from a longer list without naming everything. It's like saying 'among others' or 'including, but not limited to' in a very natural way.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a busy weekend
Ich habe am Wochenende unter anderem meine Großeltern besucht.
Among other things, I visited my grandparents this weekend.
Listing job responsibilities
Zu meinen Aufgaben gehört unter anderem die Kundenbetreuung.
My duties include, among other things, customer support.
Texting a friend about a party
Es kommen unter anderem Sarah und Marc zur Party.
Among others, Sarah and Marc are coming to the party.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'unter anderem' is used to show that you are aware of other factors, which demonstrates professional maturity. German academic style favors precision. Using this phrase helps avoid the ambiguity of 'etc.', which is sometimes seen as lazy. Using 'u.a.' in emails is a standard way to save space while remaining formal. Speakers use it to manage time, signaling that they are skipping details to focus on the most important points.
Use the abbreviation
In writing, always use 'u.a.' to save time. It is perfectly acceptable in all formal contexts.
Don't over-use
Using it in every sentence makes you sound like a robot. Mix it with other ways of listing.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to list examples without naming every single item.
- Works in both professional emails and casual coffee chats.
- Often abbreviated as 'u. a.' in written German.
What It Means
Think of unter anderem as your secret weapon for being concise. It tells your listener that you have a lot to say, but you’re only picking the highlights. It’s the German way of saying, "I’m giving you the highlights, not the whole boring list." It keeps the conversation moving while staying accurate.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase almost anywhere in a sentence. Usually, it sits right before the specific items you want to mention. You’ll also see it abbreviated as u. a. in texts or emails. It works with people, objects, or even abstract ideas. Just remember: it implies there is more to the story than what you're saying.
When To Use It
This phrase is a total chameleon. Use it in a job interview to list your skills without sounding like a braggart. Use it at a party when someone asks what you did over the summer. It’s perfect for professional emails when listing project goals. Even when texting a friend about your grocery list, it works beautifully. It makes you sound organized and thoughtful.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are actually listing everything. If you only have two items and you name both, unter anderem makes no sense. It’s also a bit too clunky for very short, emotional outbursts. You wouldn't say "I love you unter anderem for your eyes" unless you want to sound like a robot. Keep it for lists where there's actually a 'rest' to imply.
Cultural Background
Germans value efficiency and precision in communication. unter anderem is the perfect embodiment of this. It allows for a structured delivery of information without the clutter of a full list. Historically, it’s been a staple in academic and legal German. Today, it’s simply the standard way to handle lists in any context. It shows you respect the listener's time.
Common Variations
You might hear unter anderen (with an 'n') when specifically referring to a group of people. There is also unter anderem auch, which adds a little extra emphasis. In writing, always look out for the u. a. abbreviation. It’s everywhere from newspapers to text messages. It’s the ultimate linguistic shortcut for the busy German speaker.
Usage Notes
The phrase is incredibly stable across all regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is a safe 'go-to' for any B1 learner looking to sound more fluent and precise.
Use the abbreviation
In writing, always use 'u.a.' to save time. It is perfectly acceptable in all formal contexts.
Don't over-use
Using it in every sentence makes you sound like a robot. Mix it with other ways of listing.
Placement is key
Place it right before the list items for maximum clarity.
Professionalism
It is a great way to sound more professional in German business emails.
Examples
6Ich habe am Wochenende unter anderem meine Großeltern besucht.
Among other things, I visited my grandparents this weekend.
Implies the speaker did more than just visit grandparents.
Zu meinen Aufgaben gehört unter anderem die Kundenbetreuung.
My duties include, among other things, customer support.
Professional way to show a range of skills.
Es kommen unter anderem Sarah und Marc zur Party.
Among others, Sarah and Marc are coming to the party.
Uses the phrase to mention the most important guests.
In meinem Zimmer liegen unter anderem drei leere Pizzakartons.
In my room, there are, among other things, three empty pizza boxes.
The phrase adds a mock-serious tone to a funny situation.
Ich schätze an dir unter anderem deine endlose Geduld.
Among other things, I appreciate your endless patience.
Shows there are many reasons for the appreciation.
Berlin ist unter anderem für seine Museen bekannt.
Berlin is known for its museums, among other things.
A standard way to introduce famous characteristics.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Das Seminar behandelt __________ {die|f} Geschichte und {die|f} Kunst.
The phrase is fixed as 'unter anderem'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best sentence.
The phrase is best placed before the object.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Was hast du am Wochenende gemacht? B: Ich habe _________ {ein|n} Buch gelesen.
It fits perfectly to indicate a partial list of activities.
Match the situation to the usage.
When is it appropriate to use 'unter anderem'?
It is specifically for non-exhaustive lists.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDas Seminar behandelt __________ {die|f} Geschichte und {die|f} Kunst.
The phrase is fixed as 'unter anderem'.
Choose the best sentence.
The phrase is best placed before the object.
A: Was hast du am Wochenende gemacht? B: Ich habe _________ {ein|n} Buch gelesen.
It fits perfectly to indicate a partial list of activities.
When is it appropriate to use 'unter anderem'?
It is specifically for non-exhaustive lists.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it works for people too. 'Unter anderem waren auch meine Freunde da.'
Yes, as an abbreviation it is usually written as 'u.a.'
No, the phrase is fixed.
Yes, it is generally considered formal.
It is possible but rare and often sounds awkward.
'Unter anderem' is a phrase used in a sentence; 'etc.' is usually used at the end of a list.
Only in formal or semi-formal texting.
Only if you are referring to 'among others' as a noun phrase, but 'unter anderem' is the standard adverbial phrase.
No, it is a very simple and useful phrase.
Because 'unter' is a two-way preposition that takes the dative when describing a static location or state.
Yes, it works for both positive and negative lists.
Yes, very frequently.
Related Phrases
und so weiter
similarand so on
zum Beispiel
similarfor example
unter anderem auch
builds onamong others also
unter anderem wegen
specialized formamong other reasons
