entweder...oder
Either...Or
Use entweder...oder to say 'either...or'. It forces a choice between two options where only one can be true.
How It Works
The structure entweder...oder is highly flexible in German word order.
- Positioning: The first part, entweder, can occupy 'Position 0' (outside the main clause structure) or 'Position 1' (triggering verb-second inversion).
- Position 0: Entweder du gehst... (Subject is in Position 1, Verb in Position 2).
- Position 1: Entweder gehst du... (Verb is in Position 2, immediately following entweder).
- Internal Position: It can also appear after the conjugated verb: Wir fliegen entweder nach Berlin oder nach Wien.
- Subject-Verb Agreement: When connecting two subjects of different persons or numbers, the verb usually agrees with the subject closest to it. For example: Entweder meine Eltern oder ich gehe einkaufen.
The second part, oder, behaves like a standard coordinating conjunction. A comma before oder is optional when connecting two full main clauses, but usually omitted when connecting single words or short phrases.
Examples (4)
- Entweder wir gehen jetzt, oder wir verpassen den Bus.
Either we go now, or we miss the bus.
Word by Word: Either we go now, or we miss the bus.
Here, 'entweder' is in Position 0, so the subject 'wir' stays in Position 1.
- Entweder kaufst du das Auto, oder du mietest es.
Either you buy the car, or you rent it.
Word by Word: Either buy you the car, or you rent it.
In this example, 'entweder' takes Position 1, forcing the verb 'kaufst' into Position 2 (inversion).
- Ich möchte entweder Pizza oder Pasta essen.
I want to eat either pizza or pasta.
Word by Word: I want either pizza or pasta to eat.
This shows 'entweder...oder' linking two nouns within a single clause.
- Du kannst entweder heute kommen oder morgen anrufen.
You can either come today or call tomorrow.
Word by Word: You can either today come or tomorrow call.
Here it links two different infinitive phrases using a modal verb.
Common Mistakes
Using 'entweder' at the end of a sentence like the English 'either'.
Ich mag das nicht entweder.Das mag ich auch nicht.In English, 'either' can mean 'also not' at the end of a sentence. In German, you must use auch nicht for this purpose.
Mixing up the pairs (e.g., using 'entweder...noch').
Entweder Tee noch Kaffee.Entweder Tee oder Kaffee.Learners often confuse the positive 'entweder...oder' with the negative weder...noch (neither...nor).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'entweder...oder' (either...or), learners first need to understand the basic coordinating conjunction 'oder'. Since this pattern connects two independent clauses or elements, a solid grasp of basic German word order and the distinction between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions is essential to ensure the verb remains in the correct position.
- und/oder/aber/dennCoordinating Conjunctions
The pattern 'entweder...oder' is a correlative extension of the basic coordinating conjunction 'oder' (or).
Level 1 - Coordinating Vs Subordinating Conjunctions
It is important to know that 'oder' functions as a coordinating conjunction, meaning it does not move the verb to the end of the clause.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- weder...nochNeither...Nor
The negative counterpart to 'entweder...oder', meaning 'neither...nor'.
Level 3 - sowohl...als auchBoth...And
Another two-part conjunction, but used for inclusive addition ('both...and') rather than exclusive choice.
Level 3 - Verb-Second Word Order
Crucial for understanding how 'entweder' affects word order when it occupies the first position in a sentence.
Level 2 - nicht nur...sondern auchNot Only...But Also
Another correlative conjunction used to emphasize that both options apply.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice entweder...oder in Bubblegum
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