English–German

“be” in German

German

Pronunciation

IPA/zaɪ̯n/

Example

Ich bin müde.

I'm tired.

Illustration for sein (be)

How to say “be” in German

“Be” in German is sein.

Something is presented as being situated, having a state, or belonging to a group.

Full entry for sein: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with sein

Es ist zehn Uhr.

It is ten o'clock.

Tips for using sein

  • German commonly uses es gibt to present existence, while sein normally locates or identifies a person or thing.

“be” in other languages