German word

nebenbei

Pronunciation

IPA/neːbm̩ˈbaɪ̯/

Meaning

  • adverbwhile at it

Example

Ich habe nebenbei noch ein Buch gekauft.

I also bought another book while I was at it.

Illustration for nebenbei (while at it)

More examples

Ich lese nebenbei Artikel, um auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben.

I read articles on the side to keep up to date.

Core concept

A main task in the foreground with a small extra action happening beside it.

Common phrases

  • nebenbei lesen

    read on the side

  • nebenbei anmerken

    mention in passing

Similar words

übrigens: Used to mention an additional point that is separate from the main subject.
außerdem: Used for adding further information or another reason.
nebenher: As a side activity performed at the same time as the main activity.
zwischendurch: At intervals between parts of the main activity.

Definition in German

nebenbei bezeichnet eine Handlung oder Bemerkung, die nicht der Hauptzweck ist, sondern beiläufig zusätzlich passiert.

Word origin

Nebenbei combines neben, meaning "beside," with bei, meaning "by" or "near," and extends physical side-by-side meaning to an additional action.

Usage tips

  • Nebenbei can describe doing something alongside regular work, as in nebenbei studieren, meaning to study while working or pursuing another main activity.

Other meanings

  • on the sideadverb
  • in spare momentsadverb
  • incidentallyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Nebengedankeside thoughtnoun
  • Nebeneffektside effectnoun

Word lists with this word