zweitens

Zweitens is a German adverb used to introduce the second item in a sequence or argument. It plays a role in structured discourse, including essays, reports, debates, and formal speeches, where the author or speaker enumerates points in a clear order. It commonly follows erstens and may be complemented by drittens or further items. In everyday language, alternatives such as zum zweiten or außerdem are also used, but zweitens remains a standard option in formal writing and argumentation.

Derived from the ordinal zweit (second) with the adverbial suffix -ens, zweitens is part of a set with erstens, drittens, and so on. The form is written as one word and does not decline; it remains the same for all grammatical persons and numbers. As an adverb, it modifies verbs, sentences, or entire clauses rather than nouns.

Usage notes and examples: In formal or academic contexts, zweitens is preferred for explicit enumeration. In spoken German, speakers often use zum zweiten or außerdem to introduce a second point. To vary style, writers may also use des Weiteren or außerdem after the first point. Example: Wir prüfen erstens die Kosten; zweitens berücksichtigen wir die Umweltfolgen.