Asked • 06/18/19

Placement of "nur" if referred to verb in a sentence with complements?

Sielke V.

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It would be easier to answer this question if there was an example - what do you mean when you write "with complements"?
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07/11/20

Gulia B.

In a clause with a subordinate clause, "nur" can come before a verb or a pronoun/noun. It depends on which word you want to emphasize, give meaning. Examples: 1. Ich wär auf jeden Fall dabei, nur ich hab echt keine Zeit. (before personal pronoun "ich") I’d definitely come along, but I really don’t have the time. 2. Ich helfe dir, wo ich nur kann. (before a modal verb "kann") I’ll help you wherever I can.
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10/02/21

1 Expert Answer

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James W. answered • 05/12/22

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No worries! There is no hard and fast rule here that you need to memorize.


Here is an example using the German sentence that means

"You can only speak to the doctor if you have an appointment."


Both placements of "nur" are perfectly fine.


Sie können mit dem Arzt nur sprechen, wenn Sie einen Termin haben.

Sie können nur mit dem Arzt sprechen, wenn Sie einen Termin haben.


So be happy, there's one less rule to memorize!







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