nur
/nuːɐ̯/
The English word 'only' can be translated into German as nur, lediglich or allein.
Meaning: without others or anything further, exclusively (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| nur | /nuːɐ̯/ |
| lediglich | /ˈleːdɪklɪç/ |
| allein | /(ʔ)aˈlaɪn/ /(ʔ)əˈlɔɪ̯/ |
The standard way to express 'only' is nur. It is used to express numerical limitations, such as 'only two', as well as the concept of 'nothing more than', such as 'only a test'.
Which one should you use?
While nur is the standard word, lediglich serves as a more formal synonym meaning 'merely' or 'solely'. The word allein can mean 'only' in a formal, literary sense, such as 'the mere thought', but it is most commonly understood to mean 'alone' (without others).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/nuːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- The word nur can be used as a 'modal particle' to add emotional emphasis or urgency to a sentence without changing its literal meaning.
- The German word nur actually shares a distant history with the English word 'near', stemming from an Old High German root meaning 'were it not'.
- The word lediglich is built from ledig, which usually means 'single' or 'unmarried' in a modern context.
Examples in context
- Es ist nur Tom.It's only Tom.This sentence shows how to use nur to identify a person.Tatoeba #12406175 by mayabe, translation #3734687 by CK
- Es ist nur Geld.It's only money.This sentence shows how to use nur to downplay the importance of something.Tatoeba #6611450 by Felixjp, translation #2249147 by CK
- Das geht nur so.That's the only way to do it.This sentence demonstrates how nur can express that something is the only way to perform an action.Tatoeba #13708490 by Waldelfe, translation #2524271 by CM
- Ich habe nur eine Frage.I have only one question.
- Es ist lediglich ein Missverständnis.It's merely a misunderstanding.
- Dies sind bloß einige Beispiele.These are just a few examples.
- Ich habe nur fünf Euro.I only have five euros.
- Das ist bloss ein Scherz.It's just a joke.
- Dieses Angebot gilt nur für kurze Zeit.This offer is only valid for a short time.
- Bitte nehmen Sie nur eine Karte.Please take only one card.
- Kommst du nur zum Abendessen?Are you coming just for dinner?
- 3441 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are at a cafe deciding what to order.
- HannahMöchtest du etwas essen?Do you want to eat something?
- FelixNein, ich möchte nur einen Kaffee.No, I only want a coffee.
- HannahNur einen Kaffee?Only one coffee?
- FelixJa, ich habe keinen Hunger.Yes, I am not hungry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “only” translations and entries nur, lediglich, allein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allein, lediglich, nur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
