Breakdown of Einerseits steigt die Inflation, andererseits sinkt der Zins.
der
who, which, that (relative pronoun; die, das)
sinken
to fall / to sink (go under water)
steigen
to rise (go up, increase)
einerseits
on the one hand
andererseits
on the other hand
die Inflation
the inflation
der Zins
the interest
Questions & Answers about Einerseits steigt die Inflation, andererseits sinkt der Zins.
How could we rewrite this contrast to use obwohl or trotz, matching this lesson's theme?
This sentence expresses a contrast, which is very similar to a concession. To express this with a subordinate clause, you could say: Obwohl die Inflation steigt, sinkt der Zins (Although inflation is rising, interest is falling). To transform that into a prepositional phrase with trotz (despite) + Genitive, you would turn the verb into a participle: Trotz steigender Inflation sinkt der Zins (Despite rising inflation, interest is falling).
Why do the verbs steigt and sinkt come immediately after einerseits and andererseits?
Einerseits and andererseits are adverbs, not coordinating conjunctions (like und or aber). Because they occupy Position 1 in their respective clauses, the verbs must take Position 2. If you were to use a true conjunction like aber for the second clause, it would sit outside the numbered positions: ..., aber der Zins sinkt.
Can I change the word order and start with the subjects instead?
Yes, you can move these adverbs into the middle of the clauses without changing the meaning: Die Inflation steigt einerseits, der Zins sinkt andererseits. However, placing them at the very beginning of both clauses is a popular stylistic choice because it makes the contrast punchier and more balanced.
Why is it singular der Zins here? Isn't "interest" usually plural die Zinsen in German?
In everyday personal finance, you will usually hear the plural die Zinsen (for example, when earning interest on a savings account or paying it on a mortgage). However, in macroeconomic contexts—like discussing central bank policies or general economic trends—the singular der Zins (or der Zinssatz, the interest rate) is widely used.
Learn Einerseits steigt die Inflation, andererseits sinkt der Zins and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free