German word

sprechen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃprɛçən/

Meaning

  • verbspeak

Example

Ich spreche jeden Tag Deutsch.

I speak German every day.

Illustration for sprechen (speak)

More examples

Kann ich kurz mit dir sprechen?

Can I speak with you briefly?

Core concept

Spoken language links a speaker with others and can also show command of a language.

Common phrases

  • mit jemandem sprechen

    speak with someone

  • auf Deutsch sprechen

    speak in German

  • über etwas sprechen

    speak about something

Similar words

reden: Speaking informally about ideas, opinions, or topics.
sich unterhalten: Conversing casually while discussing topics and spending time together.
erzählen: Recounting events or experiences in a clear sequence.
sagen: Expressing a fact or idea in a short statement.

Definition in German

Mit jemandem Worte austauschen oder sich über etwas unterhalten; auch die Fähigkeit, eine Sprache zu sprechen.

Word origin

Sprechen is an inherited Germanic verb whose close English relative is speak, rather than a later loanword from Latin or French.

Usage tips

  • For language ability, German uses eine Sprache sprechen, with the language named directly after the verb.

Other meanings

  • discussverb
  • give a speechverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Sprechenspeakingnoun
  • der Sprecherspeakernoun
  • ansprechenaddressverb

Word lists with this word