Conjunction 'aber' (but, contrast)
Konjunktion 'aber' (Gegensatz)
'aber' (but) expresses a contrast between two main clauses; the stays normal.
Structure
Hauptsatz + , aber + Hauptsatz (Wortstellung bleibt)
main clause + , aber + main clause (word order stays the same)
Details
- Part of Speech
- Conjunction
- Word Type
- Coordinating conjunction
- Register
- Standard
Explanation
What it is. aber (but) is a coordinating that expresses a contrast or restriction between two main clauses.
Word order. aber sits in position 0 and does not count as a sentence element, so the clause after it keeps normal word order with the in position 2. A comma is written before aber.
Examples.
- Das Auto ist alt, aber es fährt gut. - The car is old, but it drives well.
- Ich bin müde, aber ich arbeite weiter. - I am tired, but I keep working.
- Sie lernt viel, aber sie hat keine Angst. - She studies a lot, but she is not afraid.
Common mistakes.
- Remember the comma before aber.
- Do not invert: aber es fährt gut, not aber fährt es gut.
- aber can also be a flavouring particle (Das ist aber schön!), but as a it links two clauses.
About Conjunction 'aber' (but, contrast)
'aber' (but) expresses a contrast between two main clauses; the stays normal.
There is a comma before 'aber'; after it the stays normal ( in position 2).
'aber' drückt einen Gegensatz zwischen zwei Hauptsätzen aus; die bleibt.
Caution
Put a comma before 'aber'. It occupies 'position 0', so the verb after it stays in position 2.