Breakdown of Wir haben keinen Vorteil, außer dass der Joker strengstens geheim ist.
sein
to be
haben
to have
kein
no, not any
wir
we
geheim
secret (classified)
der Vorteil
the advantage
außer dass
except that
der Joker
the lifeline
strengstens
strictly
Questions & Answers about Wir haben keinen Vorteil, außer dass der Joker strengstens geheim ist.
What is the difference between using außer dass and außer wenn in a sentence like this?
außer dass translates to 'except that' and states a known fact or exception. Here, the fact is that the lifeline is a secret. If you used außer wenn, it would mean 'unless' or 'except if', which sets up a hypothetical condition rather than an established fact.
Why is the conjugated verb ist pushed to the very end of the sentence?
The phrase außer dass functions as a subordinating conjunction. This means it introduces a dependent clause, which always forces the conjugated verb to the very end of that clause.
Why does der Joker mean 'the lifeline' here instead of 'the joker'?
In the context of German quizzes and game shows like 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?', a lifeline or hint is commonly called a Joker. It borrows from the idea of the joker card in games, which can be played to give you a special advantage.
What is the function of the -stens ending on strengstens?
Adding -stens to certain adjectives creates an absolute superlative adverb. It emphasizes that something is true to the highest possible degree without directly comparing it to something else. Here, it turns streng (strict) into strengstens (strictly), making strengstens geheim mean 'strictly secret' or 'top secret'.
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