German word

eh

Pronunciation

IPA/eː/

Meaning

  • adverbanyway

Example

Du brauchst das eh nicht zu kaufen.

You don't need to buy that anyway.

Illustration for eh (anyway)

More examples

Bei diesem Vorschlag kannst du das eh vergessen.

With this proposal, you can forget about it anyway.

Core concept

A settled fact is brushed aside while the conversation moves on.

Common phrases

  • ist eh egal

    It doesn't matter anyway

  • kannst eh vergessen

    you can forget it anyway

  • kommt eh nicht in Frage

    It's out of the question anyway

Similar words

sowieso: Whatever happens, the result will remain the same.
ohnehin: The existing state requires neither adjustment nor further action.
jedenfalls: This point is certain and is stressed as an established fact.
auf jeden Fall: The outcome is guaranteed, no matter what situation arises.

Definition in German

Bedeutet im gesprochenen Deutsch, dass etwas auf jeden Fall so ist und deshalb nicht weiter beachtet werden muss

Word origin

The adverb eh is an inherited Germanic form, continuing Old High German ē and Middle High German e, with meanings such as 'ever' or 'always' before developing its modern spoken use.

Usage tips

  • Eh is colloquial and conversational, so ohnehin or jedenfalls often suits more formal writing.

Other meanings

  • anyhowadverb

Word lists with this word