usw.
/ʔʊntsoˈvaɪ̯tɐ/
The German phrase for 'etc' is usw.
usw. is an abbreviation used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar items that have not been mentioned.
What does it mean word for word?
The abbreviation usw. stands for the phrase und so weiter, which means 'and so on' or 'and further'.
Which one should you use?
While usw. is placed at the end of a list to show more items follow, the abbreviation u. a. (short for *unter anderem*) is used to indicate that the items mentioned are part of a larger group, translated as 'among other things'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The abbreviation usw. is always written with a period at the end. It can be written with or without spaces between the letters, though writing it without spaces is more common.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔʊntsoˈvaɪ̯tɐ/
Did you know?
- Unlike English 'etc.', which is derived from Latin, und so weiter is composed entirely of native Germanic roots.
- Using und so weiter in a professional email can sometimes be interpreted as a lack of precision or a lack of effort in the research provided.
- While usw. is written, Germans often pronounce the full phrase und so weiter when reading it aloud in formal contexts.
Examples in context
- Es gibt viele Versicherungsarten wie Krankenversicherung, Feuerversicherung, Lebensversicherung usw.There are many kinds of insurance such as: health insurance, fire insurance, life insurance, etc.This sentence shows how to use usw. when listing types of insurance.Tatoeba #771854 by Esperantostern, translation #324826 by Dejo
- In meinem Garten gibt es viel Gemüse: Kopfsalat, Zwiebeln, Knoblauch usw.There are in my garden a lot of vegetables: lettuce, onion, garlic, etc.This sentence demonstrates the use of usw. when listing vegetables in a garden.Tatoeba #1740212 by Espi, translation #1740184 by Djef_Messaoudi
- In unserem mediterranen Wald gibt es viele Baumarten: Eiche, Kiefer, Weide, Esche, Ulme, usw.In our Mediterranean forest, there are lots of trees: oak, pine, willow, ash, elm, etc…This sentence illustrates how to use usw. when listing different types of trees.Tatoeba #1851067 by Tamy, translation #1744973 by Djef_Messaoudi
- Ich habe Obst gekauft: Äpfel, Bananen, Orangen usw.I bought fruit: apples, bananas, oranges etc.
- In unserem Sortiment finden Sie Bücher, Zeitschriften, Schreibwaren u. Ä.In our assortment you will find books, magazines, stationery etc.
- Gestern war ich shoppen und habe Schuhe, Kleidung, Taschen und so gekauft.Yesterday I went shopping and bought shoes, clothes, bags and so on.
- Ich würde gerne verschiedene Städte in Deutschland besuchen: Berlin, München, Hamburg usw. Welche Orte würden Sie empfehlen?I would like to visit different cities in Germany: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg etc. Which places would you recommend?
- Ich mag Actionfilme, Liebeskomödien, Sci-Fi-Filme und so. Was sind deine Lieblingsfilme?I like action movies, romantic comedies, sci-fi movies and so on. What are your favorite movies?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are discussing what to buy for a party.
- LauraWir brauchen Chips, Cola, Servietten usw.We need chips, cola, napkins, etc.
- JulianSoll ich auch Getränke mitbringen?Should I also bring drinks?
- LauraJa, bitte bring Saft, Wasser usw. mit.Yes, please bring juice, water, etc.
- JulianAlles klar, das mache ich.All right, I'll do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry usw., CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
