The idea
Übrigens means by the way and can start a sentence or sit after the verb: “Die Liste liegt übrigens schon …”. In first position the verb follows immediately. “Am Rande erwähnen” means to mention in passing. Liegen describes where a document is stored. “Nebenbei bemerkt” is a slightly more formal variant. Asides should be short and clearly separate from the main topic.
Other ways to say it
“Ach, übrigens: Die Liste ist schon online.” – Casual; ach marks a sudden thought.
“Nebenbei bemerkt ist die Liste bereits verfügbar.” – Neutral to formal; works in meetings and emails.
“Kurz am Rande: Die neue Liste liegt im Ordner.” – Neutral; announces a short aside before giving it.
Examples
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Watch out
“Übrigens die neue Liste liegt schon im Gruppenordner.” → “Übrigens liegt die neue Liste schon im Gruppenordner.”: Unlike English “by the way”, übrigens is part of the sentence and occupies first position, so the verb liegt must come next.
Try it yourself
Translate into German: By the way, the new list is already in the group folder.
Show answer or example answer
Übrigens liegt die neue Liste schon im Gruppenordner.
Übrigens first, then liegt, then the subject. “Im Gruppenordner” is dative for the location; schon means already.
Put the words in order: am / Das / erwähnen / ich / noch / Rande / wollte
Show answer or example answer
Das wollte ich am Rande noch erwähnen.
“Am Rande erwähnen” means to mention in passing. Wollte is the past of wollen; noch shows it is an addition.
Write this sentence in German: Then I will note it for later.
Show answer or example answer
Dann notiere ich sie für später.
Sie refers to die Liste; “für später” puts the aside on hold. Notieren stays second after dann.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
Translate into German: By the way, the new list is already in the group folder.
Übrigens liegt die neue Liste schon im Gruppenordner.
Put the words in order: am / Das / erwähnen / ich / noch / Rande / wollte
Das wollte ich am Rande noch erwähnen.
Write this sentence in German: Then I will note it for later.
Dann notiere ich sie für später.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
While discussing a birthday present with a friend, you remember the shop closes early on Saturday. Add this with übrigens and say it is not urgent today.