Membel
German ADVERB B1 Rank 1209

andererseits

on the other hand

Checking...

Loading your saved state.

Meanings

01

andererseits

on the other hand

Introduces a contrast or another side of a situation. It is often used together with 'einerseits' (on the one hand), but it can also stand alone.

example

Einerseits möchte ich in den Urlaub fahren, andererseits muss ich für eine wichtige Prüfung lernen.

On the one hand, I would like to go on vacation; on the other hand, I have to study for an important exam.

Visual example for andererseits: andererseits

Usage tips

Compare with

near_synonym · confusable

andererseits vs aber

but

'aber' and 'andererseits' both show a contrast. 'aber' connects two statements directly and is very common in everyday language. It fits when you want to limit something or set another piece of information against it. 'andererseits' is used when you look at a second side of something. It sounds more considered and fits especially well when weighing advantages and disadvantages. Learners may confuse the words because both introduce a contrast. In practice: for a simple contrast, you usually use 'aber'; for 'another side of the matter', 'andererseits' fits better.

Visual example for aber
andererseits

Der neue Job ist anstrengend, andererseits lerne ich dort sehr viel.

The new job is demanding; on the other hand, I learn a lot there.

aber

Das Hotel ist teuer, aber die Lage ist sehr gut.

The hotel is expensive, but the location is very good.

Open full lesson: aber →

In real life

Loading video examples...