nebenbei

by the way, in passing

adverb nay-ben-BY Rare

Also means

on the side

Usage Note

Nebenbei signals that information is being added informally or incidentally. Nebenbei bemerkt ('incidentally, by the way') is a fixed phrase. Do not confuse with nebenbei meaning 'on the side' as a secondary occupation.

Examples

"Nebenbei bemerkt: Das Lokal schließt um 22 Uhr."

Natural Translation

By the way: the restaurant closes at 10 p.m.

Literal Translation

By-the-way noted: the restaurant closes at 22 o'clock.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Days, Months & Seasons (am, im & -tag)

Days of the week in German use am, months and seasons use im — plus the -tag pattern, capitalized nouns, and how to build a real sentence with a day.

June 5, 2026 4 min read

GermanNow

German Numbers 1–100: Why 21 Is Said Backwards

German numbers 1 to 100 reverse the digits: 21 is einundzwanzig (one-and-twenty). Learn the und rule, the irregulars, and how to hear prices fast.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Greetings by Region: Grüß Gott to Grüezi

German greetings change by region: say Moin in Hamburg, Grüß Gott in Bavaria, Grüezi in Switzerland. A map of every hello and goodbye, plus du vs. Sie.

June 5, 2026 6 min read