rather
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rather
Used to correct or clarify a previous statement and introduce the more accurate information. It means something like 'but rather' or 'more precisely'.
Er ist nicht faul, vielmehr ist er einfach überarbeitet und müde.
He isn't lazy; rather, he's simply overworked and tired.
When 'vielmehr' (rather) stands at the beginning of a sentence or clause (position 1), the verb follows directly after it in position 2. This word order is called inversion.
Ich bin nicht müde, vielmehr bin ich sehr konzentriert.
I am not tired; rather, I am very focused.
'Vielmehr' (rather) is very often used to correct a previous negative statement. The typical pattern is: 'nicht [statement A], vielmehr [statement B]' (not [statement A], rather [statement B]).
Das ist kein Problem, vielmehr ist es eine interessante Aufgabe.
That is not a problem; rather, it is an interesting task.
'Vielmehr' (rather) belongs more to written or formal language. It is used less often in everyday spoken language.
Die Studie zeigt keine negativen Effekte, vielmehr belegt sie den Nutzen der Methode.
The study shows no negative effects; rather, it demonstrates the benefit of the method.
or
'oder' and 'vielmehr' can both improve or make a previous statement more precise. In this use, 'oder' often sounds spontaneous and spoken: you say something and immediately find a more suitable formulation. 'vielmehr' sounds more precise and a little more formal; it clearly shows that the second statement is the better or correct description. Learners may confuse them because both introduce a correction. In everyday language, 'oder besser' (or rather / or better) is often more natural; in texts or precise explanations, 'vielmehr' works well.
Du brauchst für die Prüfung nicht mehr Bücher, vielmehr brauchst du einen klaren Lernplan.
You don't need more books for the exam; rather, you need a clear study plan.
Wir treffen uns nach der Arbeit im Restaurant, oder besser gesagt in der kleinen Pizzeria daneben.
We're meeting after work at the restaurant, or rather at the small pizzeria next to it.