01
eben
just
As a temporal adverb: right now, a very short moment ago.
example
Er ist eben erst nach Hause gekommen.
He has only just come home.
eben
just / exactly
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adverb or adjective?
The word 'eben' can also be an adjective meaning 'flach' (flat). You can recognize the difference because the adjective stands before a noun and is declined, while the adverb or particle remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Der Tischler prüft, ob die Oberfläche eben ist.
The carpenter checks whether the surface is flat.
Typical collocation
To emphasize that something happened only a very short moment ago, 'eben' (just) is often combined with 'gerade' to form 'gerade eben' (just now). This expression is very common in spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gerade eben eine E-Mail von ihr bekommen.
I just got an email from her.
As a confirming answer
In a conversation, 'eben!' is often used as a short, approving answer. It means 'Genau!' (Exactly!) or 'Das ist exakt der Punkt!' (That's exactly the point!) and confirms another person's statement.
EXAMPLE
A: „Ohne Teamwork schaffen wir das nicht.“ B: „Eben!“
A: "We won't manage it without teamwork." B: "Exactly!"
Expression of resignation
As a modal particle, 'eben' (just) often expresses that one accepts an unchangeable situation. It signals a kind of resignation and is typical of colloquial language.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du keine Zeit hast, dann treffen wir uns eben morgen.
If you don't have time, then we'll just meet tomorrow.
Colloquial expression
The combination 'mal eben' is typical of spoken language. It means that you do something quickly, briefly, or in passing, without it being much effort.
EXAMPLE
Ich fahre mal eben zum Bäcker, brauchst du etwas?
I'm driving to the bakery real quick; do you need anything?
Compare with
eben vs einfach
simple / just
'einfach' and 'eben' can both appear as little words in a sentence and strengthen a statement. In this use, it is not about 'easy' or about 'gerade eben' (just now). 'einfach' often emphasizes that something is clear, direct, or cannot be explained differently. 'eben' more often expresses that you accept a situation, even if it is not ideal. Learners may confuse the words because both can sometimes sound similar to 'halt'. As a guide: 'einfach' often sounds more direct, while 'eben' often sounds like acceptance or giving in.
eben
Wenn der Bus nicht kommt, warten wir eben noch zehn Minuten.
If the bus doesn't come, we'll just wait another ten minutes.
einfach
Ich war einfach zu müde und bin früh ins Bett gegangen.
I was just too tired and went to bed early.
In real life
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