by contrast / on the other hand
Loading your saved state.
by contrast
An adverb that creates a contrast or opposition to a previous statement. It means something like 'in comparison with that' or 'on the other hand'.
Die Umsätze im ersten Quartal waren schwach; demgegenüber steht eine deutliche Steigerung im zweiten Quartal.
Sales in the first quarter were weak; by contrast, there was a clear increase in the second quarter.
The word is a compound of the pronoun 'dem' (dative of 'das/der') and the preposition 'gegenüber' (opposite/across from). It literally means 'standing opposite that' and thus introduces a contrast.
Die erste Hälfte des Films war langweilig, demgegenüber war die zweite Hälfte sehr spannend.
The first half of the film was boring; by contrast, the second half was very exciting.
When 'demgegenüber' (by contrast) is at the beginning of a sentence (position 1), the verb follows directly after it in position 2. However, it can also stand after the verb in the middle of the sentence.
Die Löhne sind gestiegen. Demgegenüber sind die Preise für Lebensmittel gefallen.
Wages have risen. By contrast, food prices have fallen.
'Demgegenüber' (by contrast) is a formal word used mainly in written language, in news reports, or in formal discussions to express a contrast.
Die Firma investierte viel in Werbung. Demgegenüber wurden die Ausgaben für die Forschung gekürzt.
The company invested a lot in advertising. By contrast, spending on research was cut.
A very common and stylistically elevated phrase is 'demgegenüber steht ...' (by contrast, there is ...). This is often used to compare two facts or figures directly.
Den hohen Kosten steht demgegenüber nur ein geringer Nutzen.
By contrast, the high costs are matched by only a small benefit.
against it / however
Both “dagegen” and “demgegenüber” can mark a comparison or contrast. “Demgegenüber” sounds more formal and refers particularly clearly to a previously mentioned point of comparison. “Dagegen” is also common in everyday contrasts and can have other meanings outside this use.
Der Bericht zeigt, dass der Park im Sommer meist voll und demgegenüber im Winter oft leer ist.
The report shows that the park is usually full in summer, whereas in winter it is often empty.
Im Sommer ist der Park meist voll, im Winter dagegen oft leer.
The park is usually full in summer, but often empty in winter.
