sonst

Meaning

1. otherwise (under different circumstances)
2. normally, usually (as opposed to a particular case)
3. (often) else
4. (colloquial) so; then; consecutive, but directed against an explicit or implicit alternative

Pronounced as (IPA)

/zɔnst/

Etymology

From Middle High German sunst, sust, sus, from Old High German sus (“thus”), from Proto-West Germanic *sus, from *swā (“so”), formally related to Proto-West Germanic *þus (“thus”). Cognate with Hunsrik sunst, Old Saxon sus (Middle Low German süs), archaic Dutch zonst (“otherwise”), Alemannic German sus and suscht.

Sentences

Sonst kommt ihr nicht wieder zurück aufs Boot .

Otherwise, you won't get back on the boat.

Sonst wird das Misstrauen der Bürger nur noch größer .

Otherwise, people will become even more mistrustful.

Was so 'ne Pizza sonst noch enthalten würde .

What else such a pizza would contain.