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but, however, but, though, really
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العربية الفصحى
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/ˈaːbɐ/
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A common connector for contrast and objections; it can also add emphatic feeling.
Practice using aber in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Das klingt gut, aber ist es sicher?
    That sounds good, but is it safe?
  • Du bist aber früh da.
    You are here quite early.
  • Heute nicht, aber morgen.
    Not today, but tomorrow.
  • Er will mitkommen, aber nicht zu Fuß.
    He wants to join us, but not on foot.
  • Das Buch ist klein, aber interessant.
    The book is small but interesting.

Similar words

jedoch
wirklich

Meanings

But

conjunction
contrast
neutral
Joins contrasting words or clauses, often against an expectation.

Examples

  • Ich möchte kommen, aber ich muss arbeiten.
    I want to come, but I have to work.
  • Das Buch ist klein, aber interessant.
    The book is small but interesting.
  • Heute nicht, aber morgen.
    Not today, but tomorrow.
  • Es regnet, aber wir gehen hinaus.
    It is raining, but we are going out.
  • Sie ist müde, aber glücklich.
    She is tired but happy.

Similar words

jedoch

But, with a reservation

conjunction
reservation or objection
neutral
Introduces an objection, qualification or limiting condition.

Examples

  • Das klingt gut, aber ist es sicher?
    That sounds good, but is it safe?
  • Ich helfe, aber nur eine Stunde.
    I will help, but only for an hour.
  • Aber warum hast du nichts gesagt?
    But why did you say nothing?
  • Er will mitkommen, aber nicht zu Fuß.
    He wants to join us, but not on foot.
  • Das stimmt, aber wir brauchen mehr Zeit.
    That is true, but we need more time.

Similar words

Really; expressive emphasis

adverb
emphasis
neutral
Adds emphasis or surprise to a statement without a separate factual contrast.

Examples

  • Das hast du aber gut gemacht!
    You did that really well!
  • Hier ist es aber schön!
    It is so lovely here!
  • Du bist aber früh da.
    You are here quite early.
  • Der Kuchen schmeckt aber gut!
    The cake tastes really good!
  • Das war aber eine Überraschung!
    That really was a surprise!

Similar words

wirklich

Etymology

From Middle High German and Old High German aber, earlier associated with “again” or “further”.

FAQ

What does aber usually mean?

Usually but, contrasting one point with another.

How does it link clauses?

It coordinates clauses: ich komme, aber ich bleibe nicht.

Can it introduce an objection?

Yes; it can begin a reservation or question.

What does it add in Das ist aber schön?

It adds emphatic surprise or appreciation, not a contrast.

Where does aber come from?

Duden records Middle and Old High German aber.

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