but

hi, when i started learning German i learned to use aber for but, now I see another way to say it. What is the difference?

It would help if you could quote the phrase that is causing the problem. (German and the English translation). It would make it easier to help.

Simon

Hi JayC-a13y and Simon,

thank you for your question! 

There are generally two words that can be used to say “but”: aber and sondern. 

Sondern "but / but rather" always comes after a negative phrase and implies a contradiction. In other words, the idea that comes before sondern (and gets negated) and the idea that comes after sondern are opposites, or cannot both be true. As a result, sondern is used in "not this ... but that" constructions. 

For example:

“Er möchte nicht Fahrrad fahren, sondern (er möchte) schwimmen." - ”He doesn't want to cycle, but rather he wants to swim." 

Aber "but" is used to contrast two things that are equal. It's similar in meaning to "however."

For example:

“Er möchte schwimmen gehen aber das Schwimmbad ist zu.” - “He wants to go swimming but the pools are closed.”

Hope this helps! If there is another word I can help you with, though, don't hesitate to ask :)

Grüße,

Julia