sonst

Based on: sondern
Goethe A2 Adverb
  1. else, besides that
  2. usually
  3. or else , otherwise
1.

else, besides that

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Examples
  • "... blah blah blah... und ja, das ist meine Arbeit.""Oh, klingt interessant. Und was machst du sonst so?"
  • "blah blah blah ... so yeah, that's what I do for living.""Oh sounds interesting. And what are you doing when you're not working/besides that?"
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2.

usually

(in the sense of "on most occasions")
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Examples
  • "Wo ist Thomas? Es ist schon 10 nach.""Komisch. Er ist sonst immer pünktlich."
  • "Where is Thomas? It is 10 past , already.""Weird. Usually, he is always on time."
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3.

or else , otherwise

(threatening consequences)
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Examples
  • Mach deine Hausaufgaben, sonst kündige ich deinen World of Warcraft Account.
  • Do your homework or (else) I'll terminate your World of Warcraft account.
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Sources for Etymology:

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The meaning of “sonst”

A fun look at the meaning of "sonst". We'll see how to use it in conversation and explore related words like "ansonsten", "sonstige" or "umsonst".

Vocab: sonst, ansonsten, sonstige, umsonst, sonstewo

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How many meanings does the German word 'sonst' have?

sonst has 3 distinct meanings: 1. else, besides that, 2. usually , 3. or else , otherwise.

What is 'sonst' related to?

The word 'sonst' is related to sondern.

Where can I learn more about 'sonst'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'sonst':

The meaning of “sonst”
A fun look at the meaning of "sonst". We'll see how to use it in conversation and explore related words like "ansonsten", "sonstige" or "umsonst".
Vocab: sonst, ansonsten, sonstige, umsonst, sonstewo
Read article