German word

indem

Pronunciation

IPA/ɪnˈdeːm/

Meaning

  • conjunctionby ___

Example

Du lernst Deutsch, indem du jeden Tag ein bisschen übst.

You learn German by practicing a little every day.

Illustration for indem (by ___)

More examples

Deine Aussprache wird klarer, indem du Sätze nachsprichst.

Your pronunciation will become clearer by repeating sentences.

Core concept

A deliberate step opens the way to its intended outcome.

Common phrases

  • indem du Fehler korrigierst

    by correcting mistakes

  • indem du Sätze nachsprichst

    by repeating sentences

  • indem du regelmäßig übst

    by practicing regularly

Similar words

damit: Shows the action or intention aimed at achieving a desired result.
dadurch, dass: Shows that one event or action causes another event or state.
sodass: Shows an effect or outcome resulting from a particular situation.

Definition in German

Eine Subjunktion, die einen Nebensatz einleitet und angibt, dass durch eine bestimmte Tätigkeit ein Ergebnis eintritt.

Word origin

The conjunction comes from the older phrase "in dem" and retained its sense of describing the means through which something happens.

Usage tips

  • Indem usually means "by doing", whereas während primarily marks simultaneous time, so the two are not interchangeable.

Other meanings

  • while ___conjunction

Word lists with this word