I. Recap
In this lesson we will review four German flavoring particles in further depth as the context in which they are used can be very specific at times. For each particle, we will review its meaning and look at further examples of how it is used.II. Flavoring Particles (denn, zwar, überhaupt, schon)
Denn
This particle is used to show interest but can also be used to convey impatience, disbelief or aggression.| Wo hast du denn Niederländisch gelernt? So, where did you learn Dutch? Hast du denn deinen Verstand verloren?! Have you lost your mind?! Was denkst du denn? So, what do you think? |
Zwar
Generally translates to “it’s true” or “to be sure” but is oftentimes followed by a counter argument introduced with aber.| Der Film war zwar sehr lang, aber auch sehr gut. The film was, to be sure, long but also very good. Er hat zwar genug Geld, um ein Haus zu kaufen, aber er will seine Wohnung in der Stadt nicht verlassen. He certainly has enough money to buy a house, but he doesn’t want to leave his apartment in the city. |
Überhaupt
Stresses totality in the sentence or, with a negative, it can be translated to “(nothing) at all”.| Ich verstehe überhaupt kein Japanisch. I don’t understand Japanese at all. Wie kann er eine Diskussion über dieses Thema führen, wenn er überhaupt nichts darüber weiß? How can he lead a discussion on this topic when he knows absolutely nothing about it? Ich habe überhaupt keine Ahnung! I have absolutely no idea. |
Schon
When used as a particle, this conveys affirmation or confidence in an idea.| Ich glaube schon. I think so. Komm schon, alles wird ok. Come on, everything will be ok. Wer möchte schon 80 Stunden pro Woche arbeiten? Who would ever want to work 80 hours a week? |