VERB

sein/zaɪ̯n/to be

sein is a German verb that means to be. It is pronounced /zaɪ̯n/.

Definitions

1.to exist; to have being(existence)

a.to exist or be present

Ich bin zu Hause.—I am at home.

b.to indicate a state or identity

Er ist Lehrer.—He is a teacher.

2.to be (at a place)(location)

a.to indicate someone's or something's location

Das Buch ist auf dem Tisch.—The book is on the table.

Frequently asked questions

What does "sein" mean in English?
"sein" means to be. It is a German verb.
How do you pronounce "sein"?
"sein" is pronounced /zaɪ̯n/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
What part of speech is "sein"?
"sein" is a verb in German.

Related verbs

Make “sein” stick.

Practice it in real sentences in the Alexandria app. Miss it, and Alexandria explains why, then brings it back right before you’d forget.