German word

alleine

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈlaɪ̯nə/

Meaning

  • adverbalone

Example

Ich mache die Hausaufgaben alleine.

I do my homework alone.

Illustration for alleine (alone)

More examples

Heute muss ich alleine einkaufen.

Today I have to shop alone.

Core concept

One person or thing stands apart as the sole participant in a situation.

Common phrases

  • alleine einkaufen

    go shopping alone

  • alleine bleiben

    remain alone

Similar words

allein: With no one else present or involved.
selbst: By one's own effort, without outside help.
selber: A colloquial emphasis on doing something oneself.
nur: Limited to one thing or person, with all others excluded.

Definition in German

Besagt, dass eine Person ohne Begleitung oder ohne fremde Hilfe handelt.

Word origin

Alleine arose as an extended form of allein, which contains the historical element ein, meaning one.

Usage tips

  • For a restriction such as 'only three', nur is usually clearer, whereas alleine commonly describes having no company or assistance.

Other meanings

  • onlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • alleinstehendliving on one's ownadjective

Word lists with this word