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 (eben, nun, also, ja)
Eben
As a flavoring particle, eben conveys acceptance of a situation or agreement.| - Du hattest recht, dieses Dorf ist wirklich schön! - Eben! - You were right, this village is really beautiful! - It really is! Wenn ihr ihre Stelle nicht gefällt, dann muss sie sich eben etwas anderes suchen. If she doesn’t like her job, then she should just look for something else. |
Nun
As a flavoring particle, it is often combined with “(ein)mal”. It has essentially the same meaning as eben and is also used to show acceptance of a situation. We see it often translated as “just”.| - Musst du immer so ernst sein? - Ich bin nun mal so. - Must you always be so serious? - It’s just the way I am. So läuft es nun mal. That’s just how it goes. |
Also
This particle can function like the English so and introduce a consequence or reaction. It also can be used to convey reassurance or a reaction to what was said.| Ich habe den ganzen Tag gearbeitet, also gehe ich früh ins Bett. I worked the entire day, so I am going to bed early. Also gut. All right. Sie haben Sprachen studiert. Arbeiten Sie also als Übersetzer? You studied languages. So, do your work as a translator? |
Ja
When used as a flavoring particle, ja can convey impatience or obliviousness.| Du weißt ja, was ich meine! Come on, you know what I mean. Wir können uns ja nach meiner Reise wiedersehen. We can definitely see each other again after my trip. Sagt ihr das ja nicht! Don’t you dare tell her that! |