Breakdown of Der Supermarkt liefert außerdem Getränke bis an die Tür.
Questions & Answers about Der Supermarkt liefert außerdem Getränke bis an die Tür.
What does the word "außerdem" do here, and where can it go?
It’s a sentence adverb meaning “in addition/besides,” linking this statement to something previously mentioned. In main clauses, the finite verb must be in position 2 (the V2 rule). You can place außerdem either:
- at the start: Außerdem liefert der Supermarkt Getränke bis an die Tür.
- in the middle field after the verb: Der Supermarkt liefert außerdem Getränke bis an die Tür.
You cannot put it between subject and finite verb, so not: Der Supermarkt außerdem liefert … (wrong).
Can I use "auch" instead of "außerdem"?
Often, yes, but with a nuance:
- außerdem is a sentence-level connector (“what’s more, in addition”) and sounds a bit more formal/logical.
- auch is a focusing adverb (“also, too”) and usually appears near the element it adds: Der Supermarkt liefert auch Getränke bis an die Tür.
Both are fine; außerdem stresses the addition of a whole statement, while auch highlights the added item.
Why is it "bis an die Tür" and not "bis zur Tür"? Are both correct?
Both are correct, with a slight nuance:
- bis an die Tür (with an
- accusative for motion) suggests “right up to (touching/at) the door.”
- bis zur Tür is a contraction of bis zu der Tür (with zu
- dative) and means “as far as the door,” slightly less contact-focused.
In everyday use, the difference is small; choose either unless you want to emphasize “right up to it,” in which case bis an die Tür fits well.
What case is "die Tür" here, and why?
Accusative. an is a two-way preposition (Wechselpräposition): it takes
- accusative with motion toward a goal: an die Tür
- dative for location: an der Tür
Since the delivery involves movement to the door, it’s an die Tür (accusative). Note: bis itself doesn’t assign case; the following preposition does.
Could I drop "bis" and just say "an die Tür"?
Why is "Getränke" used without an article?
Because it’s an indefinite plural direct object (generic “drinks/beverages”). In German, bare plural nouns are common when speaking generally:
- General: Der Supermarkt liefert Getränke …
- Specific (previously mentioned/known): Der Supermarkt liefert die Getränke …
Why is the verb "liefert" in second position?
What’s the difference between "liefern," "ausliefern," "anliefern," and "zuliefern"?
- liefern: to deliver (general term).
- ausliefern: to deliver/ship out to the recipient (often logistics/fulfillment).
- anliefern: to deliver to a place/recipient (focus on bringing goods to a location).
- zuliefern: to supply components/parts (B2B supply chain).
In your sentence, liefern is the natural, broad choice.
Is "Der Supermarkt" the subject here?
Would "bis vor die Tür" be better than "bis an die Tür"?
It depends on the nuance:
- bis an die Tür: right up to (at) the door.
- bis vor die Tür: up to in front of the door (stops in front; doesn’t necessarily touch or reach the door surface/threshold).
Delivery services often use bis zur Haustür or bis vor die Haustür.
Why isn’t it "ans Tür"?
Is "Tür" always feminine? What are its common forms?
Yes, it’s feminine.
- Singular: die Tür (nom/acc), der Tür (dat), der Tür (gen)
- Plural: die Türen (nom/acc), den Türen (dat), der Türen (gen) Common compound: die Haustür (front door).
Where should I put "direkt" if I want to say “right to the door”?
Place it before the destination phrase:
- Der Supermarkt liefert außerdem Getränke direkt an die Tür.
- or fronted: Außerdem liefert der Supermarkt Getränke direkt an die Tür.
Any comma needed with "außerdem" here?
Is the word order "… liefert Getränke bis an die Tür" preferable to "… liefert bis an die Tür Getränke"?
How do I pronounce the tricky parts (quick tips)?
- außerdem: “OW-ss-uh-daym” (ow like “house”; ß = unvoiced “s”).
- liefert: “LEE-fert” (ie = long “ee”).
- Tür: like “teer” but with rounded lips for ü (say “ee” while rounding your lips).
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