German Conversation · Level 33
91 words
German word
sondern
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈzɔndɐn/
Meaning
- conjunctionbut
Example
Das ist kein Obst, sondern Gemüse.
This isn't fruit but vegetables.
More examples
Sie spricht nicht nur Englisch, sondern auch Deutsch.
She speaks not only English but also German.
Core concept
A rejected option is crossed out, and a more accurate replacement takes its place.
Common phrases
nicht ..., sondern ...
not ___, but ___
nicht nur ..., sondern auch ...
not only ___, but also ___
kein ..., sondern ...
no ___, but ___
Similar words
aber: Adds a contrasting point without correcting a preceding negation.
Definition in German
Nach einer Negation eine Alternative oder Korrektur einleitet.
Word origin
German sondern comes from Old High German sunder, meaning "apart" or "separately," and later developed into a conjunction for corrective contrasts.
Usage tips
- Sondern normally follows a preceding negation such as nicht or kein, whereas aber marks a general contrast without correcting a negated statement.
Other meanings
- ratherconjunction
Related words
- Sonderangebotspecial offernoun
- Sonderfallspecial casenoun