entweder

Entweder is a German correlative conjunction meaning “either.” It introduces one member of a pair or a larger set of alternatives and is most commonly used together with oder in the fixed construction ent- weder ... oder ..., which presents two options.

Usage and syntax

Entweder is used at the beginning of the first alternative and is followed by the second clause after oder. In sentences with two main clauses, the verb remains in second position in each clause: Entweder kommt er heute, oder er kommt morgen. In shorter phrases without a full clause, it can appear before a noun phrase: Ich möchte entweder Kaffee oder Tee. When listing more than two options, speakers may extend the pattern with additional oder segments or rephrase to a list, but ent- weder ... oder ... is most natural for two options.

Grammatical notes

Entweder is a coordinating conjunction and does not trigger subordination or verb-final order. It contrasts with neiter and sowohl... als auch in other contexts of choice and emphasis. The expression is common in formal, written, and spoken German and tends to convey a clear, binary or limited set of alternatives.

Etymology

The term derives from older Germanic forms related to the word weder, meaning “neither.” It originates in the Germanic language tradition and is cognate with related forms in historical Germanic languages.

See also

The related phrase sowohl ... als auch expresses inclusion of both options, while ob introduces indirect or indirect questions without presenting alternatives.