stattdessen
/ʃtatˈdɛsn̩/
The English word 'instead' can be translated into German as stattdessen or anstatt.
Meaning: in the place of (it) (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| stattdessen | /ʃtatˈdɛsn̩/ |
| anstatt | /ʔan.ʼʃtat/ |
stattdessen is an adverb used to replace an entire previous clause or action. In contrast, anstatt functions as a preposition or conjunction to link two specific nouns or phrases, much like the English 'instead of'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word stattdessen is a compound of statt, meaning 'instead of' and dessen, meaning 'of that' or 'of it'.
Which one should you use?
stattdessen is an adverb that stands on its own to refer back to a previously mentioned idea. anstatt is used to connect a replacement directly to a noun or a verb phrase, functioning like the English 'instead of'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use anstatt to replace an action (a verb), it is typically paired with the anstatt … zu + infinitive construction to mean 'instead of …ing'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtatˈdɛsn̩/
Did you know?
- The German word anstatt is a direct linguistic cousin to the English 'instead', sharing the same ancestral roots where 'an-' or 'in-' is paired with 'Statt' or 'stead'.
- While anstatt is used for replacements, German has a separate word vielmehr for when something is not just 'instead' but 'more accurately' or 'rather'.
- When anstatt is used as a preposition, it triggers the genitive case in formal writing, but in spoken German, people almost always use the dative case instead.
Examples in context
- Handle, anstatt zu reden.Act instead of talking.The sentence is useful for seeing anstatt used to replace a verb phrase.Tatoeba #841452 by Esperantostern, translation #5164812 by Zaksocool
- Er nahm Honig anstatt Zucker.He took honey instead of sugar.This sentence shows anstatt connecting two nouns.Tatoeba #1263865 by Esperantostern, translation #1725534 by belgavox
- Lass uns da sitzen anstatt hier.Instead of sitting here, let's sit over there.This example demonstrates anstatt used to indicate a change in location.Tatoeba #6864529 by benbika, translation #6854277 by CK
- Ich trinke keinen Kaffee. Stattdessen trinke ich lieber Tee.I don't drink coffee. Instead, I prefer tea.
- Wir sollten mit dem Zug fahren anstatt das Auto zu benutzen.We should take the train instead of using the car.
- Statt die Aufgabe alleine zu erledigen, sollten wir ein Team zusammenstellen.Instead of completing the task alone, we should form a team.
- Lass uns Pizza essen anstelle der langweiligen Salate.Let's have pizza instead of the boring salads.
- Ich würde eher zum Strand gehen statt ins Schwimmbad.I would rather go to the beach instead of the swimming pool.
- Ich möchte lieber Bier statt Wein.I would like beer instead of wine.
- Statt Fleisch esse ich lieber Gemüse.Instead of meat, I prefer vegetables.
- Anstatt schwimmen zu gehen, gehe ich lieber joggen.Instead of going swimming, I prefer jogging.
- Statt Fußball zu spielen, spiele ich lieber Gitarre.Instead of playing soccer, I prefer playing the guitar.
- Wir sollten morgen früh aufstehen, statt faul im Bett zu bleiben.We should wake up early tomorrow instead of lazily staying in bed.
- Warum gehst du ins Kino, statt mit uns ins Konzert zu gehen?Why are you going to the cinema instead of going to the concert with us?
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- FelixWir können Pizza bestellen.We can order pizza.
- JuliaIch möchte lieber Pasta essen.I would rather eat pasta.
- FelixGut, dann essen wir stattdessen Pasta.Good, then we will eat pasta instead.
- JuliaDas klingt super, Felix.That sounds great, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “instead” translations and entries stattdessen, anstatt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anstatt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
