let alone
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let alone
Indicates that something is even less applicable or possible than what was just mentioned; “even less so” or “let alone.”
Er kann kaum seinen eigenen Namen schreiben, geschweige denn einen langen Bericht verfassen.
He can barely write his own name, let alone compose a long report.
“Geschweige” is almost always used together with “denn” in modern standard German as the fixed expression “geschweige denn” (let alone). The expression introduces the second part of a comparison.
Sie hat nicht einmal Zeit für eine Pause, geschweige denn für einen ganzen freien Tag.
She doesn't even have time for a break, let alone a whole day off.
A negation or limitation such as “nicht einmal” (not even), “kaum” (barely), or “kein” (no) often comes before “geschweige denn.” The second part then names something that is even less possible or applicable under these conditions.
Mein Opa hat kein Handy, geschweige denn einen Computer.
My grandpa doesn't have a cell phone, let alone a computer.
“Geschweige denn” can be followed by individual nouns, infinitive phrases, or entire subordinate clauses introduced by “dass” (that). There is always a comma before “geschweige denn.”
Sie besitzt weder ein Auto noch einen Führerschein, geschweige denn ein eigenes Flugzeug.
She has neither a car nor a driver's license, let alone her own plane.
Er hat sich nicht entschuldigt, geschweige denn, dass er den Schaden bezahlt hätte.
He didn't apologize, let alone pay for the damage.
