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German A1 Lesson 5: The Verb "Sein" (To Be) — How to Conjugate and Use It

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German · Grammar · Lesson 5

The Verb "Sein" (To Be): How to Conjugate and Use It

Deutsch lernen — Das Verb "sein"

You've already used pieces of this verb without realizing it — "Ich bin Ben," "Ich bin zwanzig Jahre alt." The verb sein (to be) is one of the most important verbs in German, and it's irregular, so it's worth learning properly, once and for all.

Conjugation of "Sein"

GermanPronunciationEnglish Meaning
ich binikh binI am
du bistdoo bistyou are (informal)
er/sie/es istair/zee/es isthe/she/it is
wir sindveer zintwe are
ihr seideer zytyou are (plural informal)
sie/Sie sindzee zintthey are / you are (formal)

Tip: unlike English "to be," German "sein" changes completely across persons — there's no shortcut, so it's worth memorizing this table by heart early on.

Using "Sein" in Sentences

Ich bin müde. I am tired.
Du bist sehr nett. You are very nice.
Wir sind Freunde. We are friends.

Example Conversation

Emma Bist du müde? Are you tired?
Noah Ja, ich bin sehr müde. Und du? Yes, I am very tired. And you?
Emma Ich bin nicht müde, ich bin hungrig! I'm not tired, I'm hungry!

Practice Exercise

  1. Ich _______ Anna. (I am Anna.)
    Show answer
    bin
  2. Du _______ mein Freund. (You are my friend.)
    Show answer
    bist
  3. Er _______ Lehrer. (He is a teacher.)
    Show answer
    ist
  4. Wir _______ zu Hause. (We are at home.)
    Show answer
    sind
  5. Sie (they) _______ glücklich. (They are happy.)
    Show answer
    sind
Tip: Say the full conjugation out loud every day for a week — ich bin, du bist, er/sie/es ist, wir sind, ihr seid, sie/Sie sind — until it becomes automatic.

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