sondern
but rather
After a negation, introduces a correcting or contrasting statement. It clarifies what is true instead of the negated situation.
EXAMPLE
Er ist nicht müde, sondern einfach nur faul.
He isn't tired, but rather just lazy.
sondern
but rather
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Meanings
nicht nur ... sondern auch
not only ... but also
A two-part conjunction used to list two things and emphasize that both are true.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist nicht nur eine talentierte Musikerin, sondern auch eine brillante Wissenschaftlerin.
She is not only a talented musician, but also a brilliant scientist.
Usage tips
Condition: negation
The word 'sondern' (but rather) can only be used when the first part of the sentence contains a negation, such as 'nicht' (not) or 'kein' (no/not a). It corrects the negated statement and presents the correct alternative.
EXAMPLE
Das ist kein Apfel, sondern eine Birne.
That is not an apple, but rather a pear.
Word order
Like 'und' (and) or 'aber' (but), 'sondern' (but rather) is a conjunction that does not change the word order. The sentence after 'sondern' is a normal main clause with the verb in position 2.
EXAMPLE
Wir fahren nicht nach Berlin, sondern wir fliegen nach Hamburg.
We are not driving to Berlin, but rather we are flying to Hamburg.
Two-part conjunction
In the fixed combination 'nicht nur ..., sondern auch ...' (not only ..., but also ...), 'sondern' connects two aspects. It emphasizes that not only the first thing is true, but additionally the second thing is too.
EXAMPLE
Er spricht nicht nur fließend Deutsch, sondern auch Spanisch.
He not only speaks German fluently, but also Spanish.
Compare with
sondern vs aber
but
„Aber“ adds a general contrast or limitation; the previous statement remains valid. „Sondern“ follows a negation and states what is true instead of what was negated. It therefore specifically corrects the first possibility.
sondern
Das Zimmer ist nicht dunkel, sondern hell.
The room isn’t dark, but rather bright.
aber
Das Zimmer ist nicht groß, aber es ist hell.
The room isn’t large, but it’s bright.
In real life
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