German word

aber

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaːbɐ/

Meaning

  • conjunctionbut

Example

Ich wollte kommen, aber ich war krank.

I wanted to come, but I was sick.

Illustration for aber (but)

More examples

Ja, aber das ist mir zu teuer.

Yes, but that is too expensive for me.

Core concept

A pivot between an initial expectation and the contrasting fact that follows it.

Common phrases

  • Ja, aber

    Yes, but

  • nicht nur ..., aber auch

    not only ___, but also ___

Similar words

doch: Counters a preceding statement with an opposing conclusion or firm rebuttal.
sondern: After a negation, introduces the correct fact replacing the rejected one.
jedoch: Adds a restrained contrast or exception within the flow of an argument.
allerdings: Adds a caveat or condition that limits what has just been stated.

Definition in German

Einen Gegensatz einleitet und oft einen Wechsel der Erwartung oder einen Einwand kennzeichnet.

Word origin

Aber comes from the inherited Germanic form abar or abur, recorded in Old High German and preserved as a conjunction through later German stages.

Usage tips

  • When used alone as Aber!, the word expresses strong surprise, protest, or disagreement rather than linking two clauses.

Other meanings

  • howeverconjunction

Word lists with this word