What is "Sein"?
The verb "sein" means "to be" in English. It is an irregular verb, which means that it does not follow a regular conjugation pattern. "Sein" is one of the most important verbs in German, used to describe identity, states, characteristics, and locations.
Conjugation of "Sein" in Present Tense
| Pronoun |
Conjugation |
English |
| ich |
bin |
I am |
| du |
bist |
you are (informal) |
| er/sie/es |
ist |
he/she/it is |
| wir |
sind |
we are |
| ihr |
seid |
you are (plural, informal) |
| sie/Sie |
sind |
they are / you are (formal) |
Example Sentences
| German |
English |
| Ich bin glücklich. |
I am happy. |
| Du bist müde. |
You are tired. |
| Er ist nett. |
He is nice. |
| Wir sind Freunde. |
We are friends. |
| Ihr seid hier. |
You all are here. |
| Sie sind Lehrer. |
They are teachers. |
Important Notes
- The verb "sein" is irregular, so it needs to be memorized.
- It is used in daily conversations to describe identities, locations, and feelings.
- In declarative sentences, "sein" generally occupies the second position.