Focus particle 'selbst' (even)
Fokuspartikel 'selbst'
Before a , 'selbst' means 'even' (like 'sogar').
Structure
selbst + fokussiertes Element (= sogar)
selbst + focused element (= sogar)
Details
- Part of Speech
- Particle
- Word Type
- Focus particle
- Register
- Standard
Explanation
What it is. Placed before a phrase, selbst is a focus particle meaning even - identical in sense to sogar. (Placed after a , selbst means "-self," which is a different use.)
How it works. Focus selbst is stressed and precedes the focused element.
- Selbst die Experten waren ratlos. - Even the experts were at a loss.
- Selbst bei Regen joggt er. - He jogs even in the rain.
- Das versteht selbst ein Kind. - Even a child understands that.
Common mistakes. The big trap is position. Selbst der Minister kam = even the minister came (focus); Der Minister kam selbst = the minister came himself (intensifier). Do not swap them. In meaning, pre-nominal selbst and sogar are interchangeable, but selbst feels slightly more formal.
About Focus particle 'selbst' (even)
Before a , 'selbst' means 'even' (like 'sogar').
Before the focused element 'selbst' = 'even' (= sogar).
Vor einem bedeutet 'selbst' so viel wie 'sogar' (even).
Caution
Focus 'selbst' (before the element) = 'even'. After a noun, 'selbst' means 'oneself' - a different use.