über
/ˈyːbɐ/
The German word for 'about' (concerning a topic) is über.
über is used as a preposition to indicate the subject or topic being discussed. While über can also mean 'over' or 'above' in a spatial sense, in this context it refers to the content of a conversation or thought.
Meaning: concerning (prep)
Which one should you use?
When expressing 'about' in terms of a topic, use über. If you want to express 'about' in the sense of 'nearly' or 'approximately', you should use etwa or ungefähr instead.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When über is used as a preposition meaning 'about' a topic, it always takes the accusative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈyːbɐ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use von when they mean they are talking about a subject. While von is used in specific idiomatic constructions like 'erzählen von', you should use über when you want to say you are talking about a topic.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Über wen redest du?Who are you talking about?This sentence demonstrates using über to ask who a person is talking about.Tatoeba #1288310 by Espi, translation #472734 by qdii
- Redest du über uns?Do you talk about us?This sentence shows how to ask if someone is talking about 'us' using über.Tatoeba #4987753 by atwupack, translation #4986137 by Airvian
- Reden sie über Tom?Are they talking about Tom?This sentence illustrates asking if a group is talking about a specific person using über.Tatoeba #7485804 by Yorwba, translation #3181512 by CK
- Es gibt einige Fragen bezüglich Ihrer Bewerbung.There are some questions regarding your application.
- In Bezug auf die Party habe ich noch nichts gehört.I haven't heard anything about the party.
- 2711 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are sitting in a cafe discussing their work.
- LukasWollen wir über die Arbeit sprechen?Do we want to talk about work?
- HannahNein, lass uns lieber über das Wochenende reden.No, let's talk about the weekend instead.
- LukasGute Idee, Hannah.Good idea, Hannah.
- HannahHast du Pläne für Samstag?Do you have plans for Saturday?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “about” translations and entries über, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries über, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
