nur
only
Limits a statement to a certain amount, person, or thing; means 'not more than' or 'exclusively'.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche nur noch eine Zutat für das Rezept.
I only need one more ingredient for the recipe.
nur
only
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Meanings
nur
just
Used as a particle to intensify a statement, soften a request, or emphasize a rhetorical question.
EXAMPLE
Was hat er sich nur dabei gedacht?
What was he thinking?
nur
if only
Expresses a strong wish in combination with 'wenn' (if).
EXAMPLE
Wenn ich nur fliegen könnte!
If only I could fly!
nicht nur ... sondern auch
not only ... but also
A two-part conjunction that lists two things or qualities, with the second often serving as an addition to or intensification of the first.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist nicht nur eine talentierte Musikerin, sondern auch eine großartige Lehrerin.
She is not only a talented musician, but also a great teacher.
Usage tips
Context clue
To distinguish the limiting meaning from the particle meaning, check whether you can replace 'nur' (only) with 'ausschließlich' (exclusively). If so, it is a limitation. If not, it is probably a particle that expresses a feeling.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe nur fünf Euro dabei. (→ ausschließlich fünf Euro)
I only have five euros with me. (→ exclusively five euros)
Position in the sentence
The position of 'nur' (only) is very important because it limits the part of the sentence that follows directly after it. Pay close attention to what you want to limit.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe nur heute Zeit. (nicht morgen)
I only have time today. (not tomorrow)
Use as a particle
As a particle, 'nur' does not limit anything, but instead intensifies an emotion such as surprise, impatience, or concern. It is often found in rhetorical questions or exclamations.
EXAMPLE
Komm nur schnell herein, es ist kalt draußen!
Just come in quickly, it's cold outside!
Wishes with subjunctive II
In the combination 'wenn ... nur' or 'wenn nur ...' (if only), 'nur' expresses a strong wish. The sentence is always in the Konjunktiv II.
EXAMPLE
Wenn ich nur mehr Zeit hätte!
If only I had more time!
Sentence structure with 'sondern auch'
The construction 'nicht nur ..., sondern auch ...' (not only ..., but also ...) connects two equivalent parts of a sentence. After 'nicht nur' and after 'sondern auch', the same type of information must appear (e.g., two adjectives, two nouns, two verbs).
EXAMPLE
Der Film war nicht nur spannend, sondern auch sehr lustig.
The film was not only exciting, but also very funny.
Compare with
nur vs einfach
simple / just
In a casual request, both nur and einfach can serve as encouragement. Nur is more likely to remove hesitation or concerns, while einfach presents the action as an uncomplicated, obvious solution. Depending on the intended nuance, both can appear in the same sentence.
nur
Ruf mich nur an, wenn du noch Fragen hast.
Just call me if you have any more questions.
einfach
Ruf mich einfach an, wenn du noch Fragen hast.
Simply call me if you have any more questions.
In real life
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