German · B1 · Everyday language
Two possible ways forward in German
Use entweder ... oder (either ... or) to present two clear alternatives when making everyday arrangements. The pair can join individual words, phrases or complete main clauses.
What you'll learn
- Offer two alternatives with entweder ... oder.
- Place the paired words around the parts that express the alternatives.
- Join two main clauses without moving their verbs to the end.
- Avoid repeating a shared subject or modal verb when linking two actions.
German phrases for two possible ways forward
Entweder wir klingeln oder wir klopfen.
Either we ring the bell or we knock.
Entweder ... oder links two complete main clauses.
Du kannst entweder deine Antwort schreiben oder sie laut sagen.
You can either write your answer or say it aloud.
Du kannst applies to both actions, so it does not need to be repeated.
Entweder das Büro ist geschlossen oder alle sind oben.
Either the office is closed or everyone is upstairs.
Each alternative has its own subject and finite verb.
Wir können uns entweder am Eingang oder am Tor treffen.
We can meet either at the entrance or by the gate.
Place entweder and oder directly before the two alternative places.
Entweder du trägst die Mappe oder ich trage sie.
Either you carry the folder or I carry it.
Use two main clauses because the person doing the action changes.
Der Termin ist entweder am Dienstag oder am Donnerstag.
The appointment is either on Tuesday or on Thursday.
The two time phrases are the alternatives.
Wir können entweder jetzt fragen oder eine Nachricht hinterlassen.
We can either ask now or leave a message.
Wir können is shared by the two alternative actions.
Entweder dieser Schlüssel passt oder wir brauchen einen anderen.
Either this key fits or we need another one.
Oder introduces the second complete main clause.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
klingeln
to ring the bell
Used for ringing a doorbell in this context.
klopfen
to knock
Used for knocking on a door in this context.
die Antwort
answer
Plural: die Antworten.
das Büro
office
Plural: die Büros.
der Eingang
entrance
Plural: die Eingänge.
das Tor
gate
Plural: die Tore.
die Mappe
folder
Plural: die Mappen. A folder for papers or documents.
der Termin
appointment
Plural: die Termine.
die Nachricht
message
Plural: die Nachrichten. Eine Nachricht hinterlassen means to leave a message.
der Schlüssel
key
Plural: die Schlüssel.
Mark the two alternatives
Entweder ... oder means either ... or. Put entweder before the first alternative and oder before the second. Link matching parts: two words, two phrases or two clauses. The pair presents a choice between alternatives rather than both together.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Words | entweder + word + oder + word | Wir kommen entweder Dienstag oder Donnerstag. |
| Place phrases | entweder + place phrase + oder + place phrase | Wir können uns entweder am Eingang oder am Tor treffen. |
| Time phrases | entweder + time phrase + oder + time phrase | Der Termin ist entweder am Dienstag oder am Donnerstag. |
Share what stays the same
When the subject and modal verb apply to both actions, say them once. Place entweder before the first action phrase and oder before the second.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two actions | subject + modal verb + entweder + action phrase + oder + action phrase | Wir können entweder jetzt fragen oder eine Nachricht hinterlassen. |
| Two ways to answer | shared subject and modal + entweder ... oder ... | Du kannst entweder deine Antwort schreiben oder sie laut sagen. |
Join complete main clauses
Entweder ... oder does not make either clause subordinate. In the pattern used here, entweder stands before a normal subject–verb main clause; after oder, use normal main-clause order too. You may also begin with entweder followed immediately by the finite verb and then the subject. No comma is required between the clauses, though one can be added for clarity.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern used in this guide | Entweder + subject + finite verb + ... + oder + subject + finite verb + ... | Entweder du trägst die Mappe oder ich trage sie. |
| Another correct opening | Entweder + finite verb + subject + ... + oder + subject + finite verb + ... | Entweder trägst du die Mappe oder ich trage sie. |
More examples
Möchtest du entweder Wasser oder Saft?
Would you like either water or juice?
Two alternative nouns share the rest of the question.
Wir treffen uns entweder vor der Schule oder am Spielplatz.
We will meet either in front of the school or by the playground.
The paired words mark the two possible meeting places.
Du kannst entweder hier warten oder mitkommen.
You can either wait here or come along.
Du kannst applies to both actions.
Entweder wir nehmen den Bus oder wir gehen zu Fuß.
Either we take the bus or we walk.
Both alternatives are complete main clauses.