Modal particle 'eben'
Modalpartikel 'eben'
'eben' marks a logical consequence or resignation ('then … simply').
Structure
Aussage + eben (Mittelfeld) - logische Folge/Resignation
statement + eben (middle field) - logical consequence/resignation
Details
- Part of Speech
- Particle
- Word Type
- Modal particle
- Register
- Standard
Explanation
What it is. eben as an unstressed modal particle marks a logical consequence or resignation - "then … simply / that's exactly why." It is close in meaning to halt but slightly more standard in register.
Main uses.
- Resigned consequence: Dann gehen wir eben zu Fuß. - Then we'll just walk.
- Confirming a self-evident conclusion: So ist das eben. - That's just how it is.
Examples.
- Wenn du nicht hören willst, dann musst du eben die Folgen tragen. - If you won't listen, then you'll simply have to bear the consequences.
- Sie hat eben kein Interesse. - She simply isn't interested.
Common mistakes. Do not confuse the unstressed particle eben with temporal eben (= just now, a moment ago: Er ist eben gegangen), which is stressed and means something different. As an affirmation, Eben! on its own means "Exactly!"
About Modal particle 'eben'
'eben' marks a logical consequence or resignation ('then … simply').
Marks a logical consequence/resignation; unstressed in the Mittelfeld.
'eben' markiert eine logische Folge oder Resignation.
Caution
Unstressed 'eben' = 'then simply' ('Dann gehen wir eben zu Fuß'). Don't confuse with temporal 'eben' (just now).