otherwise / apart from that
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otherwise
Introduces a consequence that will occur if a previously mentioned condition is not fulfilled; in the sense of 'andernfalls' (otherwise).
Du musst dich beeilen, ansonsten verpasst du den Bus.
You have to hurry, otherwise you'll miss the bus.
apart from that
Refers to all other aspects except the one just mentioned; in the sense of 'abgesehen davon' (apart from that) or 'im Übrigen' (otherwise / besides that).
Ich habe leichte Kopfschmerzen, aber ansonsten geht es mir gut.
I have a slight headache, but apart from that I'm doing well.
'Ansonsten' (otherwise / apart from that) is an adverb that often stands at the beginning of the sentence. When it is in position 1, the conjugated verb follows directly after it (inversion).
Wir müssen jetzt los, ansonsten kommen wir zu spät.
We have to leave now, otherwise we'll be late.
You can recognize the meaning 'andernfalls' (otherwise) by the fact that the preceding sentence contains a condition or an instruction. 'Ansonsten' (otherwise) then introduces the negative consequence if the condition is not fulfilled.
Zieh eine Jacke an, ansonsten wirst du krank.
Put on a jacket, otherwise you'll get sick.
You can recognize the meaning 'abgesehen davon' (apart from that) by the fact that the preceding sentence mentions a specific piece of information or a small limitation. 'Ansonsten' (apart from that) then extends the statement to the general situation.
Mein Knie tut ein bisschen weh, aber ansonsten fühle ich mich topfit.
My knee hurts a little, but apart from that I feel great.
The word 'ansonsten' (otherwise / apart from that) is very common, especially in spoken language and informal texts. It sounds natural and suitable for everyday use.
Hast du am Wochenende schon was vor? Ansonsten könnten wir ins Kino gehen.
Do you already have plans for the weekend? Otherwise, we could go to the movies.
otherwise / else
Both words can name the consequence that occurs when a condition is not met. „Sonst“ is usually shorter and more colloquial in everyday language, while „ansonsten“ often makes the connection to the condition more explicit and is somewhat more formal. „Sonst“ works well in an everyday warning, while „ansonsten“ can also be used in more formal texts.
Beeilen Sie sich bitte, ansonsten fährt der Zug ohne uns ab.
Please hurry, otherwise the train will leave without us.
Beeilen Sie sich bitte, sonst fährt der Zug ohne uns ab.
Please hurry, otherwise the train will leave without us.
