German Contrast Connectors: How to Say 'However' and 'On the Other Hand'
Learn German connectors like jedoch, allerdings, and andererseits to contrast ideas clearly in intermediate-level speech and writing.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you want to contrast two ideas in German, you cannot simply translate English 'however' or 'on the other hand' with one word. German uses a range of connectors, each with its own word order, register, and nuance. This lesson focuses only on contrast connectors: words and phrases that signal a shift, an exception, or an opposing viewpoint. You will learn the most common ones, where they sit in a sentence, and how they affect verb position. By the end, you will be able to link contrasting statements naturally, whether you are writing an email, joining a discussion, or preparing a short argument.
By the end, you can…
- use German contrast connectors such as jedoch, allerdings, and andererseits correctly in a sentence.
- choose between formal and informal contrast connectors depending on the situation.
- contrast two ideas in a short spoken or written statement without changing the basic meaning.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Ich wollte kommen, jedoch hatte ich keine Zeit.
I wanted to come; however, I had no time.
ikh VOL-tuh KOM-ən, yedOKH HAT-uh ikh KINE tsyt
jedoch is formal and often used in writing. It occupies position one and pushes the verb to position two.
Das ist teuer, allerdings ist es sehr gut.
That is expensive; however, it is very good.
das ist TOY-ər, AL-ər-dings ist es zair goot
allerdings is common in both speech and writing. It softens a contrast and often adds a concession.
Einerseits mag ich Stadtleben, andererseits ist es laut.
On the one hand I like city life; on the other hand, it is loud.
INE-ər-zyts mahk ikh SHTAT-lay-bən, AN-dər-ər-zyts ist es lout
andererseits pairs with einerseits to present two sides. It is neutral in register.
Wir haben wenig Zeit, trotzdem müssen wir handeln.
We have little time; nevertheless, we must act.
veer HAH-bən VAY-nikh tsyt, TROTS-daym MÜS-ən veer HAN-dəln
trotzdem expresses contrast with a sense of resistance or unexpected action. It is standard in everyday German.
Er ist sehr beschäftigt, dennoch nimmt er sich Zeit für uns.
He is very busy; nevertheless, he takes time for us.
air ist zair bə-SHÄF-tikht, den-OKH nimt air zikh tsyt für oons
dennoch is more formal and slightly emphatic. It is common in written reports and formal speeches.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Most German contrast connectors are adverbs that occupy position one in a main clause. When they do, the finite verb moves to position two, immediately after the connector. For example: 'Ich mag Kaffee. Allerdings trinke ich lieber Tee.' Here, 'allerdings' is position one, 'trinke' is position two, and 'ich' follows. The same pattern applies to 'jedoch', 'dennoch', and 'trotzdem'. If the connector appears later in the clause, it does not trigger this inversion. For instance: 'Ich mag Kaffee, ich trinke allerdings lieber Tee.' In this version, 'allerdings' sits in the middle and the verb 'trinke' stays in position two. Both patterns are correct, but the first one gives the contrast more emphasis.
When to use it
Use 'jedoch' and 'dennoch' in formal writing, such as essays, reports, or business letters. 'Allerdings' works well in both formal and informal contexts; it often introduces a mild objection or a qualification. 'Trotzdem' is common in spoken German and signals that something happens despite an obstacle. 'Andererseits' is your go-to phrase for presenting a second perspective, especially in discussions or debates. For example, in a meeting you might say: 'Das Projekt ist riskant. Andererseits könnte es uns viel bringen.' Avoid using 'aber' as a direct translation of 'however' in formal writing; 'aber' is a coordinating conjunction and does not change word order, but it is less precise for contrast in academic prose. In casual conversation, 'aber' is perfectly fine.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Ich finde, wir sollten das Angebot annehmen. Es ist gut bezahlt.
I think we should accept the offer. It is well paid.ikh FIN-də, veer ZOL-tən das AN-gə-bot AN-neh-mən. es ist goot bə-TSALTDas stimmt, allerdings müssen wir auch an die Arbeitszeiten denken.
That's true; however, we also have to think about the working hours.das shtimt, AL-ər-dings MÜS-ən veer OUKH an dee AR-baits-tsy-tən DEN-kənAndererseits könnten wir dadurch mehr Freizeit haben.
On the other hand, we could have more free time because of it.AN-dər-ər-zyts KÖN-tən veer da-DURKH mair FRY-tsyt HAH-bənTrotzdem bleibt das Risiko, dass die Arbeit sehr stressig wird.
Nevertheless, the risk remains that the work will be very stressful.TROTS-daym klybt das REE-zee-ko, das dee AR-bait zair SHTRES-ikh virtA little context goes a long way
In German workplace and academic communication, contrast connectors like 'jedoch' and 'dennoch' are valued for precision and are not considered overly formal. Using 'aber' repeatedly in a formal report can sound simplistic. In casual conversation, however, 'aber' and 'trotzdem' are perfectly natural. Regional differences are minimal for these connectors, though 'allerdings' is slightly more common in southern Germany and Austria in everyday speech, while 'jedoch' appears more in written standard German across all regions.
One thing to watch for
Using 'aber' as a direct translation of 'however' at the beginning of a formal sentence, e.g., 'Aber ich habe keine Zeit.'
Try this instead: In formal writing, use 'jedoch' or 'allerdings' instead. For example: 'Jedoch habe ich keine Zeit.' or 'Allerdings habe ich keine Zeit.' Note that 'aber' does not trigger verb-second inversion when it starts a sentence; it is a coordinating conjunction. 'Jedoch' and 'allerdings' are adverbs and do trigger inversion.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1Combine the two sentences using 'allerdings': 'Das Hotel ist schön. Es ist sehr teuer.'
Show a sample answer
Das Hotel ist schön, allerdings ist es sehr teuer.
'Allerdings' is placed after the comma, takes position one, and the verb 'ist' moves to position two. Alternative: 'Das Hotel ist schön, es ist allerdings sehr teuer.' Both are correct, but the first puts more emphasis on the contrast.
2Which connector is more formal: 'trotzdem' or 'dennoch'?
Show a sample answer
dennoch
'Dennoch' is more formal and is typical of written German. 'Trotzdem' is standard in both spoken and written German but is less formal. Both express contrast, but 'dennoch' often appears in reports and essays.
3Translate into German using 'andererseits': 'On the other hand, we could wait.'
Show a sample answer
Andererseits könnten wir warten.
'Andererseits' takes position one, so the modal verb 'könnten' comes next, followed by 'wir'. This is the standard word order for adverbs in position one. A valid alternative is 'Wir könnten andererseits warten,' but it is less emphatic.
Use 'jedoch' and 'dennoch' for formal contrast, 'allerdings' for a mild objection, 'trotzdem' for everyday resistance, and 'andererseits' to present a second side. Remember that when these connectors start a sentence, the verb comes immediately after them.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s German into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr