auch
also
Expresses an addition or supplement; also, additionally.
EXAMPLE
Ich mag Kaffee und ich trinke auch gerne Tee.
I like coffee, and I also enjoy drinking tea.
auch
also / even
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Meanings
auch
even
Used for emphasis to express something unexpected or surprising; even.
EXAMPLE
Auch der beste Schüler macht mal einen Fehler.
Even the best student makes a mistake sometimes.
auch wenn
even if
Introduces a subordinate clause that states a counter-reason or condition that has no effect; although.
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen spazieren, auch wenn es regnet.
We’re going for a walk, even if it rains.
auch
also
Used in wishes or requests to intensify the wish.
EXAMPLE
Wenn er doch auch nur einmal pünktlich wäre!
If only he would also be on time for once!
Usage tips
Word order is crucial
The position of 'auch' (also/even) in the sentence determines what it refers to. It normally stands directly before the word or part of the sentence that is being added or emphasized.
EXAMPLE
Morgen gehe ich auch ins Museum.
Tomorrow I’m also going to the museum.
Typical combination
A very common two-part conjunction is 'nicht nur ..., sondern auch ...' (not only ..., but also ...). It connects two things and emphasizes that both are true.
EXAMPLE
Er spricht nicht nur Deutsch, sondern auch fließend Spanisch.
He speaks not only German, but also fluent Spanish.
Context clue
When 'auch' (also/even) stands at the beginning of a sentence before a noun, it often means 'even'. It then expresses surprise or something unexpected.
EXAMPLE
Auch ein Experte kann sich einmal irren.
Even an expert can be wrong sometimes.
Sentence structure with 'auch wenn'
The combination 'auch wenn' (even if) introduces a subordinate clause. The conjugated verb always goes at the end of this subordinate clause.
EXAMPLE
Wir machen einen Ausflug, auch wenn das Wetter nicht perfekt ist.
We’re going on an outing, even if the weather isn’t perfect.
Use in wishes
In wish sentences, which often begin with 'wenn' (if) and contain 'doch' or 'nur' (if only), 'auch' (also) intensifies the wish. It expresses a strong hope.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du doch auch hier wärst!
If only you were also here!
Compare with
auch vs selbst
oneself / even
Auch and selbst can both highlight an unexpected person. selbst focuses especially directly on that exact person and sounds stronger, while auch often simply adds something, with the surprise depending on the context. Use selbst for the emphasized extreme case and auch for a less emphatic inclusion.
auch
Auch der neue Praktikant durfte bei der wichtigen Besprechung dabei sein.
Even the new intern was allowed to attend the important meeting.
selbst
Selbst der neue Praktikant durfte bei der wichtigen Besprechung dabei sein.
Even the new intern was allowed to attend the important meeting.
In real life
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