otherwise / elsewhere
Loading your saved state.
otherwise / elsewhere
In another way, in another place, or for another purpose. It describes that something does not happen in the expected or already mentioned way, but alternatively.
Die Stelle war schon vergeben, also musste ich mich anderweitig umsehen.
The position had already been filled, so I had to look elsewhere.
The word is made up of 'ander-' (as in 'andere' (other)) and the ending '-weitig'. The ending expresses a relationship or area, so 'anderweitig' literally means 'in another area' or 'in another direction'.
Da das Restaurant voll war, mussten wir uns anderweitig nach einem Abendessen umsehen.
Since the restaurant was full, we had to look elsewhere for dinner.
'Anderweitig' can be used as an adverb (unchanging) or as an adjective (changeable). As an adverb, it describes a verb; as an adjective, it stands before a noun and is declined.
Ich kann heute nicht, ich bin anderweitig beschäftigt.
I can't today; I'm otherwise occupied.
This word belongs more to formal or professional language. It is often used in business emails or official rejections.
Leider ist die Position bereits anderweitig vergeben worden.
Unfortunately, the position has already been filled elsewhere.
In the meaning of 'already busy', 'anderweitig' is very often used in the fixed combinations 'anderweitig beschäftigt sein' (to be otherwise occupied) or 'anderweitig verpflichtet sein' (to be otherwise committed).
Der Professor kann Sie heute nicht empfangen, er ist anderweitig verpflichtet.
The professor cannot see you today; he is otherwise committed.
otherwise / else
'sonst' and 'anderweitig' can both point to another possibility. However, 'sonst' is much more common and is especially used for consequences: 'Komm pünktlich, sonst verpassen wir den Zug.' (Come on time, otherwise we'll miss the train.) It is also used in questions when asking about something additional: 'Brauchst du sonst noch etwas?' (Do you need anything else?) 'anderweitig' sounds more formal and more often means 'in another way', 'in another place', or 'for another purpose'. It also fits when someone is already otherwise occupied. The words can be confused because both express something alternative. In warnings and simple everyday questions, 'sonst' is usually more natural; in factual sentences about other possibilities, 'anderweitig' is more precise.
Julian kann morgen nicht helfen, weil er anderweitig beschäftigt ist.
Julian can't help tomorrow because he is otherwise occupied.
Nimm einen Regenschirm mit, sonst wirst du auf dem Heimweg nass.
Take an umbrella with you, otherwise you'll get wet on the way home.