German word

sein

Pronunciation

IPA/zaɪ̯n/

Meaning

  • verbbe

Example

Ich bin müde.

I'm tired.

Illustration for sein (be)

More examples

Es ist zehn Uhr.

It is ten o'clock.

Core concept

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

Common phrases

  • ich bin

    I am

  • du bist

    you are

  • es ist

    it is

Similar words

haben: Describes having or owning something.
werden: Describes becoming different or entering a new state.
bleiben: Describes remaining in the same state or situation.
liegen: Describes lying in a specific place or position.

Definition in German

Ein unregelmäßig konjugiertes Verb, das das Vorhandensein an einem Ort oder die Zugehörigkeit zu einer Kategorie ausdrückt

Word origin

The infinitive sein continues Old High German sīn and belongs to the inherited Germanic family corresponding to English be.

Usage tips

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

Other meanings

  • existverb

Word lists with this word