All you need to know about the verb “to be” in German

Knowing the German verb for “to be” (“sein“) is essential for everyday conversations. However, the verb’s conjugation is incredibly irregular – so much so that it deserves its own lesson.

Conjugating the verb “sein“

You might already know the rules for conjugating regular and irregular verbs in German. However, apart from a few slight similarities, the verb “sein” does not adhere to those rules at all! Thus, there is no other way than to learn the conjugation of “sein” by heart.

Here’s how “sein” is conjugated in German:

Example sentences with “sein“

Now it’s your turn! Can you come up with some simple German sentences using all forms of “to be” just once?

Alternatively, you can try to translate those sentences to German:

1. I am Marcus.
2. You are my friend.
3. She is 27 years old.
4. We are business partners.
5. You are our neighbours.
6. They are visiting today.

Have you tried listening to German songs to improve your range of vocabulary?

When to use the German verb “sein“

You use “sein” in several different situations:

1. When you introduce yourself with name, age and nationality;

2. When describing people, including yourself:

3. When indicating time or location:

Using “sein” when asking questions

You often use “sein” when formulating questions. Note that in German questions, the verb is the first word in the sentence.

A conversation in German

This could have been a conversation between two neighbours who meet at the front door. Note that Frau Fischer and her interlocuter address each other with the formal “Sie“.

Apart from “Fischer” these are other (very!) common German surnames:

• Schmitz
• Schmidt
• Schneider
• Krämer
• Müller
• Weber
• Wagner
• Zimmermann
• Bauer
• Schulz

New vocabulary used in this lesson

To help you understand the sample sentences and sample conversation, find below a list of some new vocabulary I’ve used in this lesson.

• das Tier, die Tiere – animal(s)
• der Schatz, die Schätze – treasure(s)
• die Schwägerin, die Schwägerinnen – sister-in-law(s)
• der Geschäftspartner, die Geschäftspartner – business partner(s)
• der Plan, die Pläne – plan(s)
• das Medikament, die Medikamente – drug(s), medication
• die Schwester, die Schwestern – sister(s)
• das Wetter – the weather
• Gute Besserung! – Get well soon!
• Viel Spaß! – Have fun!
• in der Tat – indeed
• dann – then
• früh – early
• schon – already
• sauer – angry
• aufdringlich – intrusive
• sportlich – sporty

As always, note vocabulary down with their articles and plural forms! That way you won’t struggle as much when you want to use those words in different contexts.

Schon gewusst?

In the sample conversation in this lesson, one of the interlocutors mentions that her husband is sick and that (s)he’s going to get medication for him. I’m wondering whether you automatically assumed the speaker to be a woman?

Well, actually, the speaker might as well be a man – since same-sex marriage has been legal in Germany since 1 October 2017.

Speaking of his or her husband being sick, do you know much about the German health system? It is actually commonly viewed as one of the best in the world!

By the way, “schon gewusst?” is a phrase commonly used in German writing, meaning “did you (already) know?”