otherwise
Loading your saved state.
otherwise
An adverb that introduces a consequence that will happen if a previously mentioned condition is not met. Synonymous with 'sonst' (otherwise).
Du musst dich beeilen, andernfalls verpasst du den Zug.
You have to hurry; otherwise you'll miss the train.
The word is made up of 'andern' (a form of 'ander') and 'falls' (in the event of). So it literally means 'in the other case' and introduces the consequence if a condition is not met.
Wir müssen jetzt los, andernfalls kommen wir zu spät.
We have to leave now; otherwise we'll be late.
When 'andernfalls' is at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the verb follows directly after it (position 2). But it can also appear in the middle of the sentence after the verb and the subject.
Bitte bestätigen Sie den Termin. Andernfalls müssen wir ihn absagen.
Please confirm the appointment. Otherwise we will have to cancel it.
'Andernfalls' belongs more to written language or to a more formal style. It is often found in instructions, official letters, or factual arguments.
Die Rechnung ist innerhalb von 14 Tagen zu bezahlen, andernfalls wird eine Mahngebühr fällig.
The invoice must be paid within 14 days; otherwise a reminder fee will be charged.
otherwise / else
Both words introduce the consequence that occurs when a condition is not met. „Sonst“ is the everyday, shorter form, while „andernfalls“ marks the connection to the condition more explicitly and formally. In conversation, „sonst“ is usually more suitable; in a formal announcement or text, „andernfalls“ also works well.
Halten Sie sich bitte an die Regeln, andernfalls können wir nicht weitermachen.
Please follow the rules; otherwise, we cannot continue.
Halten Sie sich bitte an die Regeln, sonst können wir nicht weitermachen.
Please follow the rules, otherwise we cannot continue.
