01
anders
differently
In a different, not identical way.
example
Ich stelle mir meine Zukunft ganz anders vor.
I imagine my future completely differently.
anders
different / differently
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adverb or adjective?
'Anders' (different / differently) has two main uses. As an adverb, it describes HOW something is done and remains unchanged. As an adjective before a noun, it describes WHAT kind of thing it is and is declined.
EXAMPLE
Diesmal machen wir es anders.
This time we'll do it differently.
Comparison with 'anders als'
To express a difference or contrast, the fixed construction 'anders als' (unlike / different from) is used. It introduces the comparison.
EXAMPLE
Anders als erwartet, war die Prüfung ziemlich einfach.
Unlike expected, the exam was quite easy.
Listing with 'unter anderem'
The expression 'unter anderem' (among other things; abbreviation: u. a.) is used to name one example from a larger set. It means 'as one item among several'.
EXAMPLE
Im Museum gibt es unter anderem Gemälde aus dem 19. Jahrhundert zu sehen.
In the museum, there are paintings from the 19th century to see, among other things.
Common combinations
'Anders' (different / differently) is often used in fixed combinations to express a change or alternative. Typical examples are: 'ganz anders' (completely different), 'völlig anders' (totally different), 'irgendwie anders' (somehow different), or 'nichts anderes' (nothing else).
EXAMPLE
Seit er zurück ist, wirkt er irgendwie anders.
Since he came back, he seems somehow different.
Compare with
anders vs ander
other / different
'ander' and 'anders' both express that something is not the same. The most important difference is grammar. 'ander-' usually comes before a noun and takes an ending: 'ein anderer Weg' (a different way), 'eine andere Lösung' (another solution). 'anders' more often describes the manner, state, or comparison and often comes after a verb: 'Das ist anders' (That is different) or 'Er macht es anders' (He does it differently). Learners confuse the words because the meaning is similar. Rule of thumb: before a noun, usually 'ander-'; without a noun, often 'anders'.
anders
Heute mache ich den Weg zur Arbeit anders als sonst.
Today I take a different route to work than usual.
ander
Am Abend zeigt mir mein Kollege eine andere Wohnung.
In the evening, my colleague shows me another apartment.
In real life
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