außerdem

Außerdem is a German adverb and conjunctive adverb meaning in addition, besides, or moreover. It serves to add information to what has already been stated. The word originates from the phrase außer dem, meaning besides this/that, and has since fused into a single word.

Außerdem can introduce a new clause or sentence, or occur in the middle of a sentence to connect two independent clauses. It is neutral in tone and suitable for both written and spoken language. When used to connect clauses within one sentence, it is common to place a comma before or after it, depending on the structure: Er hat den Termin verschoben; außerdem hat er angerufen. At the start of a sentence, it is standard to begin with außerdem: Außerdem ist er krank.

Because it signals addition rather than contrast, außerdem is often used alongside other additive expressions such as zudem or darüber hinaus. It is generally appropriate in formal and informal contexts, though some speakers may prefer alternatives for stylistic reasons. It should not function as a reason or cause; for those purposes German uses weil, denn, oder aus diesem Grund.

In summary, außerdem is a versatile connector that marks additional information in German, with a neutral tone and wide applicability in both speech and writing.