German word

sogar

Pronunciation

IPA/zoˈgaːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adverbeven

Example

Kinder verstehen sogar einfache Wörter.

Children understand even simple words.

Illustration for sogar (even)

More examples

Sogar ich habe das nicht gewusst.

Even I didn’t know that.

Core concept

A boundary of what counts as expected is crossed, and the newly included fact receives emphasis.

Common phrases

  • sogar ich

    even I

  • sogar heute

    even today

  • sogar wenn

    even if

Similar words

auch: Adds another person, thing, or fact without implying surprise.
selbst: Highlights someone or something included despite usually being left out.

Definition in German

Drückt aus, dass etwas zusätzlich und oft überraschend zutrifft; bedeutet etwa 'selbst' oder 'auch' in betonter Form.

Word origin

The modern form comes from the earlier combination so gar, with gar meaning 'completely' or 'fully' in older German.

Usage tips

  • Auch adds another item neutrally, whereas sogar presents the added item as notable, emphatic, or unexpected.

Other meanings

  • indeedadverb

Word lists with this word