Translation of German word "nämlich" to English
nämlich
/nɛmˈliːç/
Meaning
VerbIn other words. Used to introduce a clarification, simplification, or explanation.
How to use
The adverb nämlich has two functions: as an explanatory particle/adverb meaning 'namely / specifically' (Ich habe zwei Hobbys, nämlich Lesen und Laufen), and as a causal particle/conjunction meaning 'because / you see / for' which never stands at the beginning of a clause; it always occupies position 3 or 4 inside the sentence (Er kam zu spät, er hatte nämlich den Bus verpasst — He came late, for he had missed the bus).
🇬🇧 English
that is to say
Example
Ich bin nicht müde, nämlich ich habe viel geschlafen.
I'm not tired, that is to say I've slept a lot.
Ich bin nicht hungrig, nämlich ich habe vorhin gegessen.
I'm not hungry, that is to say I ate something before.
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- nämlich am Montag— namely on Monday
- er war nämlich— for he was / he was indeed (internal placement)
- zwei Personen, nämlich— two people, namely...
More Connectors & Prepositions words
📖 Related grammar
Frequency rank: #150 in German
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common German words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of the German word "nämlich"?▼
The German word "nämlich" is defined as: "In other words. Used to introduce a clarification, simplification, or explanation."
What does the German word "nämlich" mean?▼
The German word "nämlich" means "that is to say" in English.
How do you pronounce the German word "nämlich"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "nämlich" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "nämlich"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Ich bin nicht müde, nämlich ich habe viel geschlafen." (which translates as "I'm not tired, that is to say I've slept a lot.").
Related reading
How Many Words Do You Need to Be Fluent in German?
Discover the science of vocabulary acquisition. Learn how many German words are needed for basic conversations, professional fluency, and near-native comprehension.
Read →GermanA1 → B1 in German: A Realistic Step-by-Step Roadmap
A realistic guide to moving from absolute beginner (A1) to intermediate (B1) in German. Learn what to study at each level, timeline estimates, and resources.
Read →