Nebensächlich

Nebensächlich is an adjective in the German language used to describe something that is not central or essential to a topic, but merely incidental, secondary, or auxiliary. It is commonly applied to details, remarks, or aspects that do not affect the core matter. In contrast to the core elements described as wesentlich or zentral, nebensächlich details are often considered peripheral.

In usage, nebensächlich can carry a neutral descriptive function, but it can also imply a dismissive tone when the speaker wants to deprioritize certain information. It appears in everyday language as well as in journalism, academia, and formal writing, for example in phrases like eine nebensächliche Bemerkung or nebensächliche Details.

Etymology and related terms: Nebensächlich is formed from the prefix Neben- meaning "beside" or "auxiliary" and the suffix -sächlich, which denotes relation to a matter or thing. The related noun Nebensache denotes a minor or incidental matter. The opposite of nebensächlich includes wesentliche, zentral, or Hauptsache, used for what is essential or main.