ja, allerdings
The English phrase 'yes indeed' is expressed in German as ja, allerdings.
ja, allerdings is used as an emphatic way to agree with a statement or to confirm that something is true.
Which one should you use?
While the word allerdings often means 'however' in a sense of contradiction, in this specific combination with ja, it functions as an intensifier to mean 'indeed' or 'certainly'.
Did you know?
- A very emphatic agreement in German can be expressed by repeating the word ja multiple times, such as ja ja, though in some contexts this can ironically signal impatience.
- While ja, allerdings is emphatic, Germans often use a simple doch to express a 'yes' that contradicts a previous negative statement or assumption.
- In some German dialects, a soft ja is added to the end of sentences as a 'modal particle' to signal that the speaker believes the listener already knows the information.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing a difficult exam.
- HannahWar die Prüfung nicht extrem schwer?Wasn't the exam extremely difficult?
- FelixJa, allerdings, ich bin echt froh, dass sie vorbei ist.Yes indeed, I am really glad that it is over.
- HannahIch glaube, ich habe einige Fehler gemacht.I think I made a few mistakes.
- FelixDas geht uns allen so, Hannah.We all feel that way, Hannah.
