Breakdown of Der Unterhalt ist zugegebenermaßen oft ein Problem.
sein
to be
ein
a, an (eine)
oft
often
das Problem
the problem
Questions & Answers about Der Unterhalt ist zugegebenermaßen oft ein Problem.
How is zugegebenermaßen built from its root verb?
It starts with the separable verb zugeben (to admit). You take its past participle, zugegeben (admitted), and add the suffix -ermaßen, which roughly means 'in the manner of' or 'to the extent of'. Together, it literally means 'in an admitted manner,' or simply 'admittedly'.
Could I put zugegebenermaßen at the beginning of the sentence instead?
Yes! If you want to emphasize the admission, you can start the sentence with it: Zugegebenermaßen ist der Unterhalt oft ein Problem. Just remember that because the adverb takes up the first position, the conjugated verb ist must immediately follow it.
Does the word Unterhalt only refer to child support?
Not strictly. Unterhalt means 'maintenance' or 'financial support' in general. While it is the standard legal term for child support and alimony, you will also see it used for the general cost of living or the upkeep costs of physical things like a car or a building.
Why does zugegebenermaßen come before oft in the sentence structure?
Zugegebenermaßen is a sentence adverb, meaning it expresses the speaker's attitude toward the entire statement rather than just modifying the verb. These types of evaluative adverbs generally take priority and are placed as early as possible after the conjugated verb, pushing time and frequency adverbs like oft further back in the sentence.