Guten Tag! If you’re wondering how to say “again” in German, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking for the formal or informal way to express this word, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll cover different regional variations only if necessary. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to say “again” in German.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Again” in German
When it comes to addressing someone formally, there are two common phrases used to mean “again” in German:
- Noch einmal: Literally meaning “once more,” this is the most commonly used phrase for “again” in formal contexts. For example:
“Können Sie das bitte noch einmal erklären?” – “Could you please explain that again?”
- Erneut: This word is slightly more formal and is used when you want to express “once again” or “anew.” For example:
“Wir müssen diesen Antrag erneut prüfen.” – “We have to review this request again.”
2. Informal Ways to Say “Again” in German
When addressing friends, family, or people you have a close relationship with, you can use these more informal ways to say “again” in German:
- Wieder: The word “wieder” is the most commonly used informal way to mean “again” in German. It can be used in various contexts, like asking for a repeat or expressing repetition. For example:
“Das war sehr lustig, lass uns das nochmal machen!” – “That was very fun, let’s do it again!”
- Noch mal: Similar to “wieder,” “noch mal” is an informal way of saying “again” in German. It is often used interchangeably with “wieder” in everyday conversations. For example:
“Ich habe den Film gestern schon gesehen, aber ich sehe ihn gerne noch mal.” – “I already saw the movie yesterday, but I’d like to watch it again.”
3. Regional Variations
While the general ways to say “again” in German as mentioned above are universal, there are some regional variations that you might come across in certain parts of Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. Here are a few examples:
- Nögesch: Used in parts of Austria and Bavaria, this is a regional variation of “noch einmal” and has the same meaning. For example:
“Des muas i nögesch obholn.” – “I have to pick it up again.”
- Nomol: This variation is common in Swiss German, specifically in the Swiss-German speaking areas of Switzerland. It is used as a synonym for “noch einmal” or “wieder.” For example:
“Du muesch das nomol mache.” – “You have to do that again.”
4. Tips for Using “Again” in German
Here are few tips to keep in mind while using the word for “again” in German:
- Pay attention to context: Understanding the context and the relationship you have with the person you are addressing will help you choose the appropriate form of “again” in German.
- Practice pronunciation: Take some time to practice the pronunciation of these phrases to ensure you are being understood correctly.
- Use it sparingly: While “again” is a common word in English, German tends to rely more on specific phrases to convey the same meaning. It’s important to use “again” sparingly and use more context-specific expressions instead.
So, whether you’re asking for a second chance, requesting a repetition, or expressing the need to do something once more, you now have a comprehensive guide on how to say “again” in German. Remember the formal and informal phrases we discussed, and consider any regional variations you may come across. Viel Glück!
