das  Aber

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaːbɐ/

🤔 What Exactly is 'das Aber'?

Most learners know the word 'Aber' as a conjunction (like 'but' or 'however'). However, it can also be used as a noun: das Aber. In this form, it refers to an objection, a reservation, a difficulty, a drawback, or a 'catch'.

It's nominalized (turned into a noun) to emphasize the act of objecting or the existence of a problem. It is always neuter (sächlich).

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse das Aber (noun, the objection) with the conjunction aber (but, however)!

🧐 Grammar of 'das Aber'

As a noun, 'Aber' is neuter (sächlich) and usually follows strong declension.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

The plural 'die Aber' is used less frequently but is correct when referring to multiple objections or reservations.

💡 Example Sentences

• Dein Plan ist gut, aber es gibt ein Aber: die Kosten.
  (Your plan is good, but there's a catch/one objection: the costs.)
• Er stimmte zu, jedoch nicht ohne ein Aber.
  (He agreed, but not without a reservation.)
• Bei jeder Lösung fanden sie wieder neue Aber.
  (With every solution, they found new objections/difficulties again.)
• Das ständige Aber in seiner Stimme nervte mich.
  (The constant 'but' / objecting tone in his voice annoyed me.)

💬 How to Use 'das Aber'?

'Das Aber' is used to express that there is a catch, an objection, or a difficulty concerning an otherwise positive or acceptable matter. It signals a limitation or a problem.

Typical contexts:

• Discussions and Negotiations: When concerns or reservations are voiced. ("Ich sehe den Vorteil, aber mein Aber ist die Umsetzungszeit." - I see the advantage, but my objection is the implementation time.)
• Everyday Language: Often in fixed expressions like "ohne Wenn und Aber" (without ifs or buts, meaning unconditionally) or "Es gibt immer ein Aber" (There's always a catch/but, meaning nothing is perfect).
• Philosophy/Argumentation: To denote a counter-argument or a critical point.

Difference from the conjunction 'aber':

• aber (conjunction): Connects clauses or parts of sentences, expressing contrast. Example: "Er ist klug, aber faul." (He is smart, but lazy.)
• das Aber (noun): Refers to the objection or reservation itself. Example: "Das einzige Aber bei ihm ist seine Faulheit." (The only drawback/objection regarding him is his laziness.)

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Aber'

For the article 'das': Think that 'das Aber' often points to THE problem, THE obstacle, or THE fly in the ointment. Problems or abstract concepts in German often use 'das' (das Problem, das Konzept). 'Das Aber' fits this pattern.

For the meaning 'objection/catch': Imagine someone constantly saying "Aber, aber, aber..." (But, but, but...) – each 'Aber' is a small objection, a little catch. When turned into a noun, it becomes 'das Aber'.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Similar but different words: The conjunction 'aber' (but, introduces contrast) is the most common form and must not be confused with the noun 'das Aber'.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Skeptiker immer einen Bleistift mit Radiergummi mit?
Damit sie für jedes Argument sofort ein passendes 'Aber' (zum Ausradieren) haben! 😉

(Why do skeptics always carry a pencil with an eraser?
So they immediately have a suitable 'but'/'objection' (to erase) for every argument!)

✍️ Poem about 'das Aber'

Ein Plan so schön, so klar, so rein,
scheint ohne Fehl und Tadel zu sein.
Doch horch, ganz leis', da meldet wer:
"Es gibt da noch ein kleines Aber, sehr..."

Es stört den Fluss, bringt Zweifel mit,
dies Wort, das oft den Fortschritt schritt.
Ein Haken nur, ein winzig' Stein,
doch kann es oft entscheidend sein.

(A plan so nice, so clear, so pure,
seems flawless and beyond reproach, for sure.
But hark, quite soft, someone reports:
"There is still one small but/catch, of sorts..."

It breaks the flow, brings doubt along,
this word where progress often went wrong.
Just one snag, a tiny stone,
but often decisive when it's known.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin kein Mensch, doch sprech' ich oft dagegen.
Ich bin kein Haken, doch häng' ich mich an Segen.
Man findet mich, wenn nicht alles glatt erscheint.
Ich bin der Zweifel, der Zustimmung verneint.

Was bin ich?

(I am not a person, yet I often speak against things.
I am not a hook, yet I attach myself to blessings.
You find me when not everything seems smooth.
I am the doubt that denies agreement.

What am I?)
(Solution: das Aber)

✨ Other Notes

Word Origin: 'Das Aber' is a nominalization of the common conjunction 'aber'. This, in turn, comes from the Old High German 'avar' or 'aber', which could mean 'again', 'once more', but also 'against'.

Philosophical Context: In philosophical or theological discussions, 'das Aber' can denote a specific objection or an aporia (difficulty, paradox) that opposes a thesis.

Idiom: The phrase "ohne Wenn und Aber" (without ifs or buts) is very common and means that something is accepted or done without any condition, restriction, or doubt.