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'.
example
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.
Usage tips
Word structure
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.
EXAMPLE
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.
Sentence position
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.
EXAMPLE
Die Löhne sind gestiegen. Demgegenüber sind die Preise für Lebensmittel gefallen.
Wages have risen. By contrast, food prices have fallen.
Register and style
'Demgegenüber' (by contrast) is a formal word used mainly in written language, in news reports, or in formal discussions to express a contrast.
EXAMPLE
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.
Typical expression
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.
EXAMPLE
Den hohen Kosten steht demgegenüber nur ein geringer Nutzen.
By contrast, the high costs are matched by only a small benefit.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
demgegenüber vs allerdings
however / certainly
'allerdings' and 'demgegenüber' can both express a contrast. 'allerdings' is used when you limit a statement or add a problem: something is true, but there is an important point against it. 'demgegenüber' is used more when you directly compare two things and show the difference between them. Learners may confuse the words because both work somewhat like 'aber' (but). A practical tip: 'allerdings' fits when there is a limitation, while 'demgegenüber' fits when comparing two sides.
demgegenüber
Viele Schüler lernen gern allein; demgegenüber arbeiten andere lieber in Gruppen.
Many students like studying alone; by contrast, others prefer working in groups.
allerdings
Wir haben am Wochenende ein Sofa gefunden, allerdings war es zu teuer.
We found a sofa over the weekend; however, it was too expensive.