Session 3, Additional activity 2 (German)
Additional activity (German) – exploring the difference between aber and sondern
Exploring the difference between aber and sondern using OMT is an effective exercise because you can see how both words are used in sentences and therefore enhance your understanding of the context of their use. You can identify the distinct grammatical structures and understand the subtle nuances between the two terms. This activity will also encourage active engagement with the language, improving retention and comprehension.
Now follow the three steps below.
Step 1
Read the English sentences using ‘but’:
- He does not want to live in Berlin, but in Leipzig.
- I'm hungry, but I don't have time to eat anything.
- She speaks three languages: English, Russian and Arabic but unfortunately no German.
- We would like three cheeseburgers, but no onions.
- He didn't bring potato salad, but he brought pasta salad.
- He said he was bringing potato salad, but he brought noodle salad.
Step 2
Input the sentences above into OMT for a German translation.
Step 3
Read and analyse the German translations.
In which sentences is sondern used? Can you work out a general rule for when to use sondern?
Discussion
Using OMT to translate the sentences should have helped you to analyse the terms sondern and aber and deduce a rule of how and when to use them.
You may have noticed that sondern and aber are both conjunctions that are used to connect clauses, but they are used in different contexts.
Aber means ‘but’ and is used to introduce a contrast or an exception to what was previously mentioned.
Aber can be used in both positive and negative contexts and does not necessarily negate the previous clause.
- Er ist reich, aber unglücklich. (He is rich, but unhappy.)
- Es regnet, aber es ist warm. (It is raining, but it is warm.)
Sondern means ‘but rather’ or ‘but instead’ and is used to introduce an alternative or a correction to a negative statement made in the previous clause.
Sondern is used exclusively after a negation in the first clause.
- Er ist nicht reich, sondern arm. (He is not rich, but rather poor.)
- Ich trinke keinen Kaffee, sondern Tee. (I don't drink coffee, but rather tea.)
Aber is used for general contrasts, while sondern is used to present an alternative or correction to a negative statement.
Sondern requires the first clause to be negated; aber does not.
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