German word

für

Pronunciation

IPA/fyːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • prepositionfor

Example

Ich arbeite für meine Familie.

I work for my family.

Illustration for für (for)

More examples

Das Geschenk ist für dich.

The gift is for you.

Core concept

One thing is set aside for a recipient, a goal, a stated amount, or a bounded period.

Common phrases

  • für dich

    for you

  • für mich

    for me

  • für uns

    for us

Similar words

gegen: Indicates what is received in exchange for payment.
pro: Indicates a rate or amount for each unit.
wegen: Indicates the reason or cause for something.
zu: Indicates movement toward a person or place.

Definition in German

Empfänger, Zweck, Preisangabe oder Zeitspanne bezeichnet und mit dem Akkusativ steht.

Word origin

German für continues the Old High German form furi, with Middle High German vür as an intermediate form, and shares its Germanic origin with English for.

Usage tips

  • For a purpose expressed with a noun, German uses für, but an infinitive purpose clause usually uses um ... zu instead.

Other meanings

  • intended forpreposition
  • in exchange forpreposition

Opposites

Word lists with this word