German word

ah

Pronunciation

IPA/aː/

Meaning

  • interjectionI see

Example

Nach der Erklärung sagte sie ah.

After the explanation, she said, "I see."

Illustration for ah (I see)

More examples

Als ihm die Erinnerung kam, sagte er: ah ja.

When the memory came to him, he said, "Ah yes."

Core concept

A brief spoken signal marks the instant when a puzzling explanation falls into place.

Common phrases

  • ah ja

    ah yes

  • ah genau

    ah exactly

Similar words

ach so: Shows that the explanation or situation has become clear and convincing.
aha: Marks a sudden discovery that brings both insight and surprise.
oh: Marks a brief reaction to mild surprise or fresh awareness.

Definition in German

Kurze Interjektion, um Verständnis oder Einsicht auszudrücken

Word origin

German ah is an old interjectional form, also found in English, that has remained in use for immediate reactions of recognition.

Usage tips

  • German ah can acknowledge understanding without ending the conversation, while a following explanation may show that the speaker has only just grasped the point.

Other meanings

  • ahinterjection
  • ohinterjection

Word lists with this word