zweitens
secondly
Used to introduce the second point in a list, an argument, or a speech.
EXAMPLE
Erstens ist es zu spät und zweitens bin ich zu müde.
Firstly, it's too late, and secondly, I'm too tired.
zweitens
secondly
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Zweitens' (secondly) belongs to a series of adverbs that structure a list: erstens, zweitens, drittens, viertens, etc. They are formed from ordinal numbers (erste, zweite, dritte) and the ending '-ens.'
EXAMPLE
Erstens habe ich keine Zeit, zweitens kein Geld und drittens keine Lust.
Firstly, I don't have time; secondly, I don't have money; and thirdly, I don't feel like it.
Word order
When 'zweitens' (secondly) stands at the beginning of a sentence, the conjugated verb comes directly after it, followed by the subject. This word order is called inversion.
EXAMPLE
Zweitens müssen wir die Kosten genau kalkulieren.
Secondly, we have to calculate the costs precisely.
Usage pattern
These adverbs are very useful for structuring arguments or a list of points clearly and logically. They help the listener or reader follow the train of thought.
EXAMPLE
Warum ich nicht mitkomme? Erstens bin ich krank und zweitens regnet es.
Why am I not coming along? Firstly, I'm sick, and secondly, it's raining.
Compare with
zweitens vs außerdem
also / besides
Außerdem adds another point without assigning it a fixed place in a sequence. Zweitens explicitly marks the second point in an ordered list. Bei nummerierten Argumenten (for numbered arguments), zweitens is appropriate; for a simple addition, außerdem is the right choice.
zweitens
Erstens ist der Zug bequem, und zweitens ist er günstiger als das Auto.
First, the train is comfortable, and secondly, it is cheaper than the car.
außerdem
Der Zug ist bequem und außerdem günstiger als das Auto.
The train is comfortable and also cheaper than the car.
In real life
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