If you want to know how to say only in German, the main word is nur. It means “only,” “just,” or “merely.” German also uses ausschließlich for “exclusively” and erst for “only” when talking about a time or a number that has not been reached until then.
“Only” in German is usually nur, pronounced approximately “noor.” For example, Ich habe nur zehn Euro means “I only have ten euros.”
How Do You Say Only in German?
The everyday German word for only is nur. It can limit a person, object, quantity, or action.
For example, Nur Anna kommt means “Only Anna is coming,” and Ich trinke nur Wasser means “I only drink water.”
Meaning: Only
Different German Words for Only
Use nur for most everyday sentences. The other words add a meaning of exclusivity, time, or limitation.
1. Nur — Only / Just
Nur is the most common word. Ich habe nur eine Frage means “I only have one question.”
2. Ausschließlich — Exclusively
Ausschließlich means “exclusively” or “only.” It sounds more formal and precise than nur.
3. Erst — Only / Not Until
Erst means “only” when referring to a time, age, or amount that is reached later than expected. Ich komme erst um acht means “I’m not coming until eight.”
4. Allein — Alone / Only
Allein can mean “alone” and sometimes “only,” especially when emphasizing that one person or factor is involved.
5. Nichts als — Nothing but / Only
Nichts als means “nothing but” or “only.” Das ist nichts als eine Ausrede means “That is nothing but an excuse.”
Only in German: Quick Comparison
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| German | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| nur | only / just | General everyday word |
| ausschließlich | exclusively | Formal or precise restriction |
| erst | only / not until | Time, age, or amount |
| allein | alone / only | Emphasis on one factor |
| nichts als | nothing but / only | Strong limitation |
How to Pronounce Nur
Nur is pronounced approximately “noor.” The German u is a long “oo” sound, and the r is pronounced in the German way, often in the throat.
Keep the word short and do not pronounce the r like a strong English r.
Where Does Nur Go in a German Sentence?
Place nur close to the word or phrase you want to limit: Nur heute, “only today”; Ich kaufe nur Brot, “I am only buying bread.”
German word order can move nur for emphasis, but its position usually shows what is restricted. Nur ich habe das gesehen means “Only I saw that,” while Ich habe nur das gesehen means “I only saw that.”
Example Sentences Using Only in German
Use: Limiting an amount of time.
Use: Stating a restriction.
Use: Using erst for time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Only in German
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How do you say only in German?
The main word is nur. It means “only” or “just” in most everyday sentences.
What is the difference between nur and erst?
Nur generally limits a thing or action. Erst means “only” or “not until” when talking about a time, age, or amount.
How do you say only one in German?
Say nur ein with a masculine or neuter noun and nur eine with a feminine noun. For example, nur eine Frage, “only one question.”
How do you say not only in German?
Say nicht nur. Nicht nur … sondern auch … means “not only … but also …”
What does ausschließlich mean?
Ausschließlich means “exclusively” or “only” and sounds more formal than nur.
How do you say only today in German?
Say nur heute. It means “only today.”
Summary: How to Say Only in German
The main word for only in German is nur. Use it to limit a person, thing, amount, or action.
Ausschließlich means “exclusively,” erst means “only/not until” for time or amount, and nicht nur means “not only.”
