German Addition Connectors: Using außerdem, zusätzlich, and mehr
Learn to add information in German with außerdem, zusätzlich, des Weiteren, and mehr. Master word order and register for intermediate fluency.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you want to add information in German, you can't just translate 'furthermore' word-for-word. German uses a set of connectors like außerdem, zusätzlich, and des Weiteren, each with its own word order rules and register. This lesson teaches you how to use these connectors correctly so you can expand your ideas naturally, whether in conversation or writing. You'll learn the difference between formal and informal additions, and how to avoid common word-order mistakes.
By the end, you can…
- add information in German using außerdem, zusätzlich, and des Weiteren with correct word order.
- choose the right addition connector based on formality and context.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Außerdem habe ich noch eine Frage.
Furthermore, I have another question.
OW-ser-dem HAH-buh ikh nokh EYE-nuh FRAH-guh
Außerdem is the most common addition connector. It's used in both spoken and written German. When it starts a sentence, the verb comes immediately after it (position 2).
Zusätzlich benötigen wir mehr Zeit.
Additionally, we need more time.
TSOO-zets-likh buh-NOE-ti-gun veer mair TSITE
Zusätzlich is slightly more formal than außerdem and often used in business or academic contexts. It also triggers verb-second word order when placed at the start.
Des Weiteren möchte ich anmerken, dass...
Furthermore, I would like to note that...
des VYE-tuh-ren MURKH-tuh ikh AN-mair-ken das
Des Weiteren is very formal and mostly used in written German, such as reports or official letters. It's rarely used in casual conversation.
Ich möchte auch noch etwas hinzufügen.
I would also like to add something.
ikh MURKH-tuh oukh nokh ET-vas HIN-tsoo-fyoo-gun
This is a conversational way to add information. The verb hinzufügen is separable: hinzu- goes to the end in main clauses.
Darüber hinaus bietet die Stadt viele Parks.
In addition, the city offers many parks.
dar-OO-ber hi-NOWS BEE-tet dee SHTAT FEE-luh PARKS
Darüber hinaus is a formal addition connector, often used in written descriptions. It also requires verb-second order when it begins a sentence.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Addition connectors in German typically occupy position 1 in a sentence, which means the verb must come in position 2. For example: 'Außerdem habe ich noch eine Frage.' Here, außerdem is position 1, habe is position 2, and the subject ich comes after the verb. This is different from English, where the subject usually follows the connector. Another pattern is to place the connector later in the sentence: 'Ich habe außerdem noch eine Frage.' In this case, außerdem is in the middle field (Mittelfeld) and does not affect word order. Both patterns are correct, but the first one gives more emphasis to the addition.
When to use it
Use außerdem in everyday conversations and informal writing. It's versatile and natural. Use zusätzlich when you want to sound a bit more formal, such as in a business email or presentation. Des Weiteren and darüber hinaus are best for formal written German, like essays, reports, or official letters. In spoken German, des Weiteren can sound stiff, so prefer außerdem or zusätzlich. For a casual alternative, use auch noch or simply und. For example, 'Ich habe auch noch eine Frage' is a relaxed way to add information. Remember that the choice of connector also depends on whether you're adding a noun phrase or a full clause. Zusätzlich can be followed by a noun phrase: 'Zusätzlich zu dem Kurs...' but außerdem cannot.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ich habe schon viele Ideen für das Projekt. Außerdem habe ich gestern neue Informationen bekommen.
I already have many ideas for the project. Furthermore, I received new information yesterday.ikh HAH-buh shohn FEE-luh ee-DAY-en fyoor das pro-YEKT. OW-ser-dem HAH-buh ikh GES-tern NOY-uh in-for-ma-tsi-OH-nen buh-KOM-menDas klingt gut. Zusätzlich sollten wir über das Budget sprechen.
That sounds good. Additionally, we should talk about the budget.das KLINGT goot. TSOO-zets-likh ZOL-ten veer OO-ber das bu-DJAY SHPREKH-enDes Weiteren möchte ich anmerken, dass wir mehr Zeit brauchen.
Furthermore, I would like to note that we need more time.des VYE-tuh-ren MURKH-tuh ikh AN-mair-ken das veer mair TSITE BROW-khenDarüber hinaus könnten wir einen neuen Plan erstellen.
In addition, we could create a new plan.dar-OO-ber hi-NOWS KURN-ten veer EYE-nen NOY-en PLAHN air-SHTEL-enA little context goes a long way
In German business and academic writing, addition connectors like des Weiteren and darüber hinaus are expected and signal a formal register. In everyday spoken German, using them can sound overly formal or even ironic. Außerdem is safe in most contexts. Regional differences are minimal, but in Austria and Switzerland, zusätzlich is common in formal speech, while außerdem remains universal.
One thing to watch for
Using 'außerdem' with verb-final word order, as in 'Außerdem ich habe eine Frage.'
Try this instead: When außerdem starts a sentence, the verb must come second: 'Außerdem habe ich eine Frage.' Alternatively, place außerdem in the middle: 'Ich habe außerdem eine Frage.' Both are correct, but the verb must not come after the subject if außerdem is in position 1.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Rewrite the following sentence using 'außerdem' at the beginning: 'Ich habe noch eine Frage.'
Show a sample answer
Außerdem habe ich noch eine Frage.
When außerdem is placed at the beginning, the verb habe must come in position 2, followed by the subject ich. This is the correct verb-second order.
2Which addition connector is most appropriate for a formal written report? Choose from: außerdem, zusätzlich, des Weiteren.
Show a sample answer
Des Weiteren
Des Weiteren is the most formal and is typical in written reports. Zusätzlich is also formal but less so, and außerdem is more neutral. In a very formal context, des Weiteren is preferred.
3Translate into German using a conversational addition connector: 'I also have a question.'
Show a sample answer
Ich habe auch noch eine Frage.
This uses auch noch, a casual way to add information. Alternatively, 'Ich habe außerdem noch eine Frage' is also correct and slightly more formal.
Use außerdem for everyday additions, zusätzlich for a slightly formal tone, and des Weiteren or darüber hinaus for formal writing. Always remember verb-second order when the connector starts the sentence.
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