entweder
Meaning and Usage
The German word "entweder" translates to "either" in English and is used to present a choice between two options or alternatives.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "entweder" is an adverb conjunction and is a combination of the prefix "ent-" (meaning "out" or "away") and "weder" (meaning "neither"). The word essentially combines "out" with "neither" to indicate a choice between two options. Its etymology can be traced back to Middle High German "entweder" and Old High German "enti-wedaro."
Comparisons between German and English
"Entweder" in German corresponds to "either" in English and is used in a similar manner to present a choice between two options.
Example Sentences
- Entweder kommst du mit mir ins Kino oder wir gehen essen. (You either come to the cinema with me or we go eat.)
- Wir müssen entweder den Zug nehmen oder ein Taxi rufen. (We have to either take the train or call a taxi.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning and usage of "entweder," think of it as a combination of "either" and "neither," indicating a choice between two options.
Additional Vocabulary
- Alternativ (alternative)
- Oder (or)
- Wahl (choice)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
Since "entweder" is an adverb conjunction, it does not have a gender or plural form.
Conjugation (for verbs)
N/A