adverb
only
B1
'bloß' is a modal adverb meaning only, merely or just. It often emphasizes limitation ('nur') or serves in warnings and urgings ('Bloß nicht!'). It is indeclinable and typically adverbial, not attributive. Register varies from neutral to colloquial depending on context; no auxiliary or special prepositions.
Examples
Die Zeugin behauptete, sie wäre bloß zufällig am Ort gewesen, obwohl mehrere Hinweise dagegen sprachen.
The witness claimed she had only been at the place by chance, although several pieces of evidence argued against that.
Ich wollte bloß fragen, ob alles in Ordnung ist.
I just wanted to ask if everything is okay.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine holding up one finger to mean 'only one'.
Sounds a bit like 'close' (short), meaning 'just/only' — a small restriction.
Notes
Common in spoken German; often used for emphasis or to soften requests (colloquial).