andererseits

adverb
on the other hand, then again
B1

andererseits means 'on the other hand' or 'then again', used to introduce a contrasting point. It is a conjunctive adverb, usually at clause-start or mid-position. It doesn't take a preposition, isn't reflexive and has no auxiliary verbs. Common in contrasts: 'Einerseits... andererseits...' used to balance arguments.

Examples

Er ist sehr talentiert; andererseits fehlt ihm noch Erfahrung.
He's very talented; then again, he still lacks experience.
Der Plan erschien teuer, andererseits versprach er langfristige Einsparungen, sodass die Gemeinde zustimmte.
The plan seemed expensive; on the other hand, it promised long-term savings, so the municipality agreed.
Ich mag Pizza; andererseits esse ich im Moment gesünder.
I like pizza; on the other hand, I'm eating healthier at the moment.

Details

Typeconjunctive

Mnemonics

👁️picture a scale: one side labeled 'diesseits' and the other side labeled 'andererseits' to mean 'on the other side'
👂sounds like 'and'rer-side' — imagine another side of an argument

Notes

A common discourse adverb used to contrast two sides of an argument or situation. Often appears in spoken and written German to introduce the opposing viewpoint.

Category

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