German word

obendrein

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌoːbn̩ˈdʁaɪ̯n/

Meaning

  • adverbwhat's more

Example

Sie ist klug und obendrein sehr freundlich.

She is smart and, what's more, very friendly.

Illustration for obendrein (what's more)

More examples

Die Lieferung kam pünktlich; obendrein war der Preis niedriger als erwartet.

The delivery arrived on time; on top of that, the price was lower than expected.

Core concept

A statement receives one more layer, making the added point feel especially weighty or unexpected.

Common phrases

  • eine Entschädigung obendrein erhalten

    receive compensation on top of that

  • ein Lob obendrein bekommen

    get praise on top of that

Similar words

außerdem: Introducing another matter alongside what has already been said.
noch dazu: Adding a further element or amount after something already given.
zusätzlich: Supplying an extra element or condition in addition to the original.
zudem: Adding a further point to an existing matter.

Definition in German

Zu einer Aussage eine zusätzliche Information oder Eigenschaft hinzufügt und dabei oft stärkere oder überraschende Betonung vermittelt.

Word origin

Obendrein comes from the German combination of oben, meaning "above," and the older adverb drein, meaning "into it" or "in addition."

Usage tips

  • Obendrein is more emphatic than neutral außerdem and often highlights an additional point that strengthens or worsens the situation.

Other meanings

  • moreoveradverb
  • on top of thatadverb

Related words

  • obendraufon top of thatadverb
  • obenaboveadverb

Word lists with this word