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.
rather / instead
Used to intensify a statement, often in the sense of 'on the contrary' or 'even'. This use is more formal and less common.
Das ist keine Belastung für mich, vielmehr sehe ich es als eine willkommene Herausforderung.
This is not a burden for me; rather, I see it as a welcome challenge.
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“ can make a statement more precise without completely taking it back. „Vielmehr“ makes it clearer that the previous statement is being corrected and replaced with a more accurate one. So „oder“ often works for a simple clarification, while „vielmehr“ is more suitable for a clear correction.
Der Termin ist nicht am Donnerstag, vielmehr ist er am Freitag.
The appointment isn’t on Thursday; rather, it’s on Friday.
Der Termin ist am Donnerstag, oder genauer gesagt, am Donnerstagvormittag.
The appointment is on Thursday, or more precisely, on Thursday morning.
