die Alternative
alternative
One of two or more options between which you can choose.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben die Alternative, zu Hause zu bleiben oder ins Kino zu gehen.
We have the alternative of staying at home or going to the cinema.
die Alternative
alternative
die Alternative, die Alternativen
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Alternative
alternative
Another solution or option that can replace the previous solution.
EXAMPLE
Als Alternative zum Auto nehmen wir heute den Zug.
As an alternative to the car, we're taking the train today.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Alternative, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance (die)
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Alternativen |
| genitive | der Alternative |
The four cases (die)
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Alternative | die Alternativen |
| accusative | die Alternative | die Alternativen |
| dative | der Alternative | den Alternativen |
| genitive | der Alternative | der Alternativen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
At a glance (die)
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Alternativen |
| genitive | der Alternativen |
The four cases (die)
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Alternative | die Alternativen |
| accusative | die Alternative | die Alternativen |
| dative | der Alternativen | den Alternativen |
| genitive | der Alternativen | der Alternativen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Preposition zu
'Alternative' is often used with 'zu' and the dative. The structure is: 'eine Alternative zu etwas oder jemandem' (an alternative to something or someone).
EXAMPLE
Wir suchen eine Alternative zu diesem komplizierten Verfahren.
We're looking for an alternative to this complicated procedure.
Choice between options
When referring to a choice between options, 'Alternative' is often used in the expression 'vor der Alternative stehen' (to be faced with a choice). This is usually followed by two infinitive phrases or two options connected with 'oder' (or).
EXAMPLE
Wir standen vor der Alternative, sofort zu bezahlen oder den Vertrag zu kündigen.
We were faced with the choice of paying immediately or canceling the contract.
Typical collocations
When referring to another solution, common expressions include 'eine Alternative suchen' (to look for an alternative), 'eine Alternative finden' (to find an alternative), and 'eine Alternative anbieten' (to offer an alternative). The solution being replaced is often specified.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen bietet eine umweltfreundliche Alternative zu Einwegverpackungen an.
The company offers an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable packaging.
In real life
Loading video examples...