daneben

Daneben is a German adverb and particle with several related but distinct uses. It most often denotes position or proximity, but it can also signal an additional or contrasting point in discourse, or express that something is off target.

Spatial use

In its core spatial sense, daneben means beside or next to something. It is used with verbs of position such as stehen, liegen, sitzen, hängen, or parken. Examples: Der Baum steht daneben. Das Auto parkte daneben. In these cases daneben emphasizes vertical or horizontal closeness to another object.

Off target or error

Daneben also describes a miss or deviation from a target. In sports or aiming contexts, the phrase der Ball ging daneben means “the ball went off target” or “missed.” This sense can extend metaphorically to indicate that something is wrong or inappropriate, as in a non-lactual miss or failure to hit the mark.

Figurative or additive use

In a broader, more discourse-oriented sense, daneben can mean “besides,” “in addition,” or “apart from that.” It introduces an additional aspect or counterpoint in a sentence. Example: Er ist pünktlich; daneben hat er auch viel Erfahrung. Here, daneben adds an extra positive attribute to the statement about the person.

Etymology and usage notes

Daneben is formed from da (there) and neben (beside). It is commonly used in spoken and written German and can appear mid-sentence or as a sentence adverb depending on context. It is distinct from daneben as a preposition (which governs a noun) and from nebenbei, which more specifically means “incidentally” or “in passing.”

See also: daneben vs. neben, danebenliegen, danebengehen. Translations vary by sense and context, including beside, next to, off target, besides, and in addition.