What Does “Nicht nur … sondern auch” Mean?
“Nicht nur … sondern auch” is a coordinating conjunction in German used to connect two parallel elements in a sentence, emphasizing that both aspects are true. In English, we often say “not only … but also” to convey the same idea. This construction is widely used in both spoken and written German for adding emphasis and making your sentences more engaging.
Basic Structure of “Nicht nur … sondern auch”
The structure of “nicht nur … sondern auch” is straightforward but requires attention to word order. The basic formula looks like this:
nicht nur [element 1], sondern auch [element 2]
Here’s a simple example:
Ich spreche nicht nur Deutsch, sondern auch Englisch.
This means: “I speak not only German, but also English.”
How to Use “Nicht nur … sondern auch” in Different Contexts
Let’s look at how this construction works with different parts of a sentence:
1. Connecting Nouns
Sie mag nicht nur Schokolade, sondern auch Eis.
She likes not only chocolate, but also ice cream.
2. Connecting Verbs
Er kann nicht nur singen, sondern auch tanzen.
He can not only sing, but also dance.
3. Connecting Adjectives
Das Wetter ist nicht nur kalt, sondern auch windig.
The weather is not only cold, but also windy.
4. Connecting Full Clauses
Nicht nur hat sie das Examen bestanden, sondern sie hat auch die beste Note bekommen.
Not only did she pass the exam, but she also got the best grade.
Important Word Order Rules
German word order can be tricky, especially with conjunctions. Here are some rules to remember when using “nicht nur … sondern auch”:
- When connecting two verbs or adjectives, keep the structure parallel.
- If “nicht nur” begins the sentence, the verb follows immediately after (inversion).
- When connecting two main clauses, use a comma before “sondern”.
For example:
Nicht nur arbeitet er viel, sondern er lernt auch fleißig.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Parallelism: Make sure the two elements you connect are of the same type (noun with noun, verb with verb, etc.).
- Word Order: After “nicht nur”, the verb comes next if you start a sentence with it.
- Commas: Don’t forget to use a comma before “sondern” when connecting clauses.
- Auch Placement: Place “auch” right before the element it emphasizes in the second part.
Practice Exercises
To really master “nicht nur … sondern auch”, try rewriting English sentences using this German construction. Here are a few to get you started:
- I not only play the piano, but also the guitar.
Ich spiele nicht nur Klavier, sondern auch Gitarre. - She is not only smart, but also friendly.
Sie ist nicht nur klug, sondern auch freundlich.
Practice making your own examples or use Talkpal’s AI-powered exercises to get instant feedback and corrections!
Why Is “Nicht nur … sondern auch” So Important?
Using “nicht nur … sondern auch” allows you to make your German sound more natural and nuanced. It’s a sign of advanced language ability and helps you construct more complex, interesting sentences. Plus, it’s a phrase you’ll hear frequently in German media, books, and conversations.
Conclusion
Mastering “nicht nur … sondern auch” will boost your confidence and help you express yourself more clearly in German. Remember to keep your elements parallel, pay attention to word order, and practice regularly. For more tips, exercises, and personalized feedback, visit Talkpal’s AI language learning blog and accelerate your journey to German fluency!
