Focus particle 'lediglich' (merely)

What it is. lediglich is a restrictive focus particle meaning merely / only / no more than. It is the formal, written counterpart of everyday nur, limiting the focus to a small amount or single element.

How it works. It is stressed and precedes the element it restricts.

• Sie hat lediglich zugehört. - She merely listened.
• Es handelt sich lediglich um eine Vermutung. - It is merely a supposition.
• Wir verlangen lediglich eine Entschuldigung. - We are asking only for an apology.

Common mistakes. lediglich belongs to formal register; in casual speech use nur. It restricts (= nur) and must not be confused with the additive sogar/selbst. Place it directly before the constituent in its scope, since position determines what is being limited.

'lediglich' (merely) restricts to a small amount; formal 'nur'.

Restrictive (= nur), more formal; before the focused element.

'lediglich' schränkt ein (= nur); gehobener als 'nur'.