How and when to use "sondern" in German

Oct 11

Are you struggling with “sondern” in German? Look no further because this article will guide you on using “sondern” like a native speaker, taking your fluency to a new level. Don't wait – start mastering “sondern” today!

The conjunction “sondern” in German

In German, “sondern” (English: but) is a valuable conjunction that highlights contrasts and contradictions. Like other conjunctions, it links words, phrases, or sentences to enhance meaning and build connections. Conjunctions are essential in your language toolkit, helping structure sentences for effective communication.

Remember: Always include a comma before “sondern,” and avoid starting a sentence with it.

Recommended study materials on the topic:

B-Grammar: Practice German grammar (incl. answers)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)

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Understanding the meaning of “sondern”

Get ready to uncover the magic of "sondern" as a conjunction. In the following, we'll dive into three pivotal aspects of its meaning and usage.

“Sondern” for showing contrast

“Sondern” primarily introduces a contrasting or contradictory statement after a negative one, emphasizing the contrast between the two.

For example:

Ich esse keine Pizza, sondern Pasta. → I don't eat pizza but pasta.

2. “Sondern” for showing an alternative

It can also present an alternative or different option when a choice or contrast exists between two possibilities.

For example:

Maik geht heute nicht ins Kino, sondern ins Theater. → Maik is not going to the cinema but to the theater today.

3. “Sondern” as clarification

“Sondern” adds clarity to the sentence by making it clear that the second part of the statement is intended or correct, especially when the first part might be expected.

For example:

Er ist nicht traurig, sondern glücklich. → He is not sad but happy.

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Sentence structure with “sondern”

To use “sondern” correctly, understanding the sentence structure is crucial. “Sondern” always connects two similar sentences. It doesn't affect the word order of the following clause.

Subject + verb + not + the first option, sondern + the second option

Mein Mann kauft kein Fastfood , sondern Obst und Gemüse.

In some cases, when negating the first option and introducing the second, you might not need “nicht” or “kein/e” (no /not) in the sentence.

For example:

Ich trinke keinen Kaffee, sondern Tee. → I don't drink coffee but tea.

“Sondern” can also connect two subordinate clauses expressing opposites, retaining the final verb position of the subordinate clause even if the second conjunction is omitted.

For example:

Mein Mann lebt gesund, weil er kein Fastfood kauft, sondern (weil er) immer Obst und Gemüse kauft. → My husband lives healthily because he doesn't buy fast food, but (because he) always buys fruits and vegetables.

Common mistakes with “sondern”

Using "sondern" in German can lead to common errors. One common mistake is neglecting to include the necessary comma before "sondern" in sentences. Additionally, beginners often mistakenly begin sentences with "sondern," a practice best avoided. It's also essential to differentiate between "sondern" and "aber." Using "aber" instead of "sondern" for contrast can alter the meaning, as "sondern" indicates a stronger contradiction or alternative.

Recognizing these pitfalls and avoiding them is vital to using "sondern" effectively and accurately conveying contrasts in your German communication.

Conclusion

In summary, mastering “sondern” in German is essential to sound like a native speaker. Begin by understanding its meaning and avoiding common mistakes. Practice using “sondern” in context and pay attention to your tone for natural fluency.

To further improve your language skills, explore our guide on “How and when to use 'obwohl' in German.”

Bis bald!

Steffie

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