mitunter
sometimes
An adverb meaning: sometimes, occasionally, from time to time.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er sonst sehr ruhig ist, kann er mitunter auch sehr gesprächig sein.
Although he is usually very quiet, he can sometimes be very talkative.
mitunter
sometimes
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'mit' (with) and 'unter' (under/among). Although the individual parts are recognizable, the meaning 'sometimes' cannot be directly derived and must be learned as a fixed unit.
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeit im Garten kann mitunter sehr anstrengend sein.
Working in the garden can sometimes be very exhausting.
Sentence position
'Mitunter' can stand in position 1; then the verb follows directly after it. But it can also stand inside the sentence after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Mitunter vergesse ich, die Blumen zu gießen.
Sometimes I forget to water the flowers.
Register
This adverb belongs more to written language or an elevated style. It is used less often in everyday spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Die Verhandlungen gestalteten sich mitunter schwierig.
The negotiations proved difficult at times.
Compare with
mitunter vs manchmal
sometimes
Both words mean that something happens from time to time, but not always. „Manchmal“ is neutral and much more common in everyday speech. „Mitunter“ sounds more elevated or more typical of written language. In a normal conversation, „manchmal“ is therefore usually the better choice; „mitunter“ also works in a more formal text.
mitunter
Mitunter wird es auf dem Weg zur Arbeit laut.
Sometimes it gets loud on the way to work.
manchmal
Manchmal wird es auf dem Weg zur Arbeit laut.
Sometimes it gets loud on the way to work.
In real life
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