When you learn German online, mastering grammar and vocabulary is essential, but sounding natural in conversation requires more. Enter German filler words and conversational connectors! These small words and phrases might seem insignificant, but they add rhythm, nuance, and authenticity to your speech, crucial for effective German speaking practice.

Native speakers sprinkle these terms throughout their conversations. Using them helps you bridge gaps, express subtle attitudes, and simply sound more natural in German. This guide covers some common ones from your list, perfect for anyone taking an online German course, including German for beginners.

What Are Conversational Boosters?

The terms "filler words" or "conversational boosters" can include:

• Modalpartikeln: Small, often untranslatable words (like eigentlich or also in some contexts) that add subjective feeling or attitude.
• Discourse Markers: Phrases or adverbs (like ehrlich gesagt or außerdem) that structure speech, connect ideas, or indicate the speaker's stance.

While true "filler" words might just fill pauses (like English "um"), the terms discussed here actively contribute to the conversation's tone, flow, or logical connection. Learning them is vital for developing German fluency.

Why Integrate These Words & Phrases?

• Authenticity: They are a hallmark of everyday spoken German.
• Expressiveness: Add nuance, honesty, certainty, contrast, or other subtle meanings.
• Smoothness: Help transitions between thoughts and make your speech less abrupt.
• Understanding: Recognizing them improves your comprehension of native speakers.

Common German Conversational Boosters & How to Use Them

Let's look at the words and phrases you mentioned:

1. eigentlich

Adds a sense of "actually," "really," softens questions, or implies something is contrary to expectation. Can also introduce a new point ("by the way").

• Was machst du eigentlich am Wochenende? (What are you actually doing on the weekend? / What are you doing on the weekend, by the way?)
• Ich wollte eigentlich früher kommen. (I actually wanted to come earlier.)
• Ist das eigentlich wahr? (Is that really true?)

2. ehrlich gesagt

Translates literally to "honestly said," meaning "honestly speaking," "to be honest," or "frankly." Introduces a sincere or perhaps reluctant statement.

• Ehrlich gesagt, ich verstehe das nicht. (Honestly speaking, I don't understand that.)
• Es war, ehrlich gesagt, ein bisschen langweilig. (To be honest, it was a bit boring.)
• Ehrlich gesagt, ich hätte das nicht erwartet. (Frankly, I wouldn't have expected that.)

3. normalerweise

An adverb meaning "normally" or "usually." A common way to talk about habits or typical situations.

• Ich trinke normalerweise Kaffee am Morgen. (I normally drink coffee in the morning.)
• Normalerweise ist er pünktlich. (Normally, he is punctual.)
• Das dauert normalerweise nicht so lange. (That doesn't usually take this long.)

4. übrigens

Means "by the way." Used to introduce a related but slightly off-topic thought or piece of information.

• Mir geht es gut, danke. Übrigens, hast du Anna getroffen? (I'm well, thanks. By the way, have you met Anna?)
• Ich muss jetzt los. Übrigens, der Film war toll! (I have to leave now. By the way, the movie was great!)
• Übrigens, das Wetter soll morgen besser werden. (By the way, the weather is supposed to get better tomorrow.)

5. tatsächlich

An adverb meaning "actually," "in fact," or "indeed." Used to confirm something, express surprise, or emphasize a point.

• Ist er wirklich gekommen? Ja, er ist tatsächlich hier. (Did he really come? Yes, he is actually here.)
• Es war tatsächlich kälter als erwartet. (It was indeed colder than expected.)
• Haben sie das tatsächlich getan? (Did they actually do that?)

6. allerdings

Means "however," "though," or "admittedly." Used to introduce a contrast, a limitation, or a concession.

• Ich mag den Film. Allerdings war er ein bisschen lang. (I like the movie. However, it was a bit long.)
• Er ist sehr talentiert, allerdings nicht immer fleißig. (He is very talented, admittedly not always diligent.)
• Das ist eine gute Idee, allerdings teuer. (That's a good idea, though expensive.)

7. im Grunde genommen

A phrase meaning "basically," "fundamentally," "essentially," or "at its core." Used to simplify, summarize, or get to the main point.

• Im Grunde genommen ist es ganz einfach. (Basically, it's quite simple.)
• Wir hatten unterschiedliche Meinungen, aber im Grunde genommen waren wir uns einig. (We had different opinions, but fundamentally we agreed.)
• Es ist viel Arbeit, aber im Grunde genommen liebe ich meinen Job. (It's a lot of work, but essentially I love my job.)

8. also

Means "so," "therefore," "well," or "right then." Used to signal a conclusion, a consequence, or to structure the beginning of a thought or response.

• Ich bin müde, also gehe ich ins Bett. (I am tired, so I'm going to bed.)
• Also, was denkst du? (Well/Right then, what do you think?)
• Du hast Zeit, also kannst du mir helfen. (You have time, so you can help me.)

9. außerdem

Means "besides," "furthermore," or "in addition." Used to add another point or piece of information.

• Das Wetter ist schlecht. Außerdem bin ich müde. (The weather is bad. Furthermore, I am tired.)
• Die Wohnung ist hell und geräumig. Außerdem liegt sie zentral. (The apartment is bright and spacious. Besides, it's centrally located.)
• Ich mag das Essen. Außerdem sind die Leute sehr nett. (I like the food. In addition, the people are very nice.)

10. schließlich

Means "finally," "eventually," or "after all." Can indicate the last point in a list or argument, or a reason/justification ("after all").

• Wir warteten und warteten, und schließlich kam der Bus. (We waited and waited, and finally the bus came.)
• Du musst lernen, schließlich hast du bald Prüfung. (You have to study, after all, you have an exam soon.)
• Es war ein langer Tag, schließlich war ich sehr müde. (It was a long day, consequently I was very tired.)

11. zusammenfassend

Meaning "summarizing" or "in summary/conclusion." Used to introduce a summary of previous points.

• Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass das Projekt erfolgreich war. (In summary, it can be said that the project was successful.)
• Erklärung, Beispiele... Zusammenfassend, diese Wörter sind wichtig. (Explanation, examples... In conclusion, these words are important.)

Tips for Incorporating These Boosters

• Listen Intently: Observe how native speakers use these words and phrases in natural conversation. Imitation is key!
• Focus on Context: The exact shade of meaning can vary based on the situation and your tone of voice.
• Start Gradually: Don't try to use all of them at once. Pick a few you hear often and try adding them to your own sentences during German speaking practice.
• Don't Overuse: Too many can make you sound hesitant or repetitive.
• Practice with Feedback: The best way to know if you're using them correctly and naturally is to get feedback from a native speaker or experienced teacher, like those in our German lessons online.

Practice Makes Fluent

Actively integrating these words into your German requires practice. Whether you're enrolled in a German for beginners class or working on advanced conversation, try these:

• Listen to German podcasts or interviews and note down how these words are used.
• Write short paragraphs and then revise them to include relevant boosters.
• Engage in conversations and consciously try using one or two new phrases.
• Join a conversation group or get a language partner.
• Our structured speaking-focused lessons provide the perfect environment to practice and refine your use of these elements.

Making your German sound more natural is a continuous process. By learning and using these conversational boosters, you take a significant step forward in your journey to learn German.

Conclusion: Mastering the Nuances

Adding words like eigentlich, ehrlich gesagt, übrigens, also, and others to your vocabulary transforms your German from correct to natural. They are key to sounding fluent and understanding the full scope of German conversation.

Ready to put theory into practice and truly sound more natural in German? Sprachlingua's online German course offers expert guidance and ample opportunities for German speaking practice. Whether you're looking for German lessons online for German for beginners or advanced levels, we can help you achieve German fluency. Viel Erfolg!