Introduction
The verb "sein" is one of the most essential verbs in the German language, functioning as the equivalent of "to be" in English. It is used to describe states of being, identities, professions, locations, and more.
Conjugation of Sein
| Pronoun | Present | Past |
|---|---|---|
| Ich | bin | war |
| Du | bist | warst |
| Er/Sie/Es | ist | war |
| Wir | sind | waren |
| Ihr | seid | wart |
| Sie/sie | sind | waren |
Usage of Sein
Present Tense
- Identity:
- Location:
- State/Condition:
- Temporary Condition:
Past Tense
- Identity:
- Location:
- State/Condition:
Examples
- Present:
- Du bist mein Freund.
- (You are my friend.)
- Past:
- Ihr wart glücklich.
- (You were happy.)
Common Expressions with Sein
- Es ist wichtig.
- Ich bin hungrig.
- Sie sind Lehrer.
- Er war krank.
Conclusion
The verb "sein" is a fundamental part of German grammar, used to convey essential information about identity, location, and states of being. Mastering its conjugations and uses will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in German.