01
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
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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 auch
also / even
'auch' and 'nur' are often opposites. 'auch' expands a statement: something or someone else is added. 'nur' limits a statement: it is exclusively about one thing, person, or amount. Learners may confuse them because both are short and often come before the important word. But the effect is completely different: 'auch Lisa' means Lisa in addition; 'nur Lisa' means no other person.
nur
Meine Mutter hilft in der Pause nur den Kindern.
During the break, my mother only helps the children.
auch
Sie besucht in der Pause auch die kleine Ausstellung.
During the break, she also visits the small exhibition.
In real life
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