am Rande
Translation
on the edge, marginally, in passing, on the sidelines
Examples
Er stand am Rande der Gruppe.
He stood on the edge of the group.
Das wurde nur am Rande erwähnt.
That was only mentioned in passing.
Sie war am Rande der Verzweiflung.
She was on the brink of despair.
Grammar Patterns
am Rande ((of sth.gen)) on the brink/edge of (sth.) She was on the brink of despair.
am Rande in passing, on the sidelines That was only mentioned in passing.
Similar Words
Synonyms: nebenbei (incidentally), am Rand (on the edge); Antonyms: im Zentrum (in the center), im Mittelpunkt (in the focus)
Etymology
'am' is a contraction of 'an dem' (on the). 'Rande' is the dative case of 'der Rand' (the edge, margin). Literally 'at the edge'.
Memory Tips
Picture someone standing at the very 'Rand' (edge) of a cliff or a social group. This helps remember both the literal and figurative meanings.