auch
/aʊ̯x/
The German word for "also" is auch.
auch is used to indicate that something else is being added to a previous statement, translating to "also" or "too" in English.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use "also" in a relatively fixed position, the placement of auch in a German sentence can change which specific part of the sentence is being emphasized.
How does it change in a sentence?
The position of auch in a sentence can change which part of the sentence it emphasizes, unlike the relatively fixed position of "also" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯x/
Did you know?
- The word auch is a direct relative of the archaic English word 'eke', which survives in the expression 'to eke out a living'.
- Placing auch at the very end of a sentence can make the addition sound like an unplanned afterthought rather than a deliberate part of the statement.
- In some German dialects, you may hear a shortened version that sounds like 'och', which happens to be the word for 'also' in Luxembourgish.
Examples in context
- Tom war auch da.Tom was also there.This example shows how to use auch to state that someone was present.Tatoeba #1343482 by Zaghawa, translation #36989 by CK
- Ich bin auch Arzt.I'm also a doctor.This example uses auch to indicate a shared profession.Tatoeba #13428161 by Waldelfe, translation #11629831 by CK
- Magst du auch Jazz?Do you also like jazz?This example uses auch to ask about a shared preference.Tatoeba #643852 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #68842 by CK
- 827 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- MaximilianIch gehe am Samstag ins Kino.I am going to the cinema on Saturday.
- SarahIch gehe auch ins Kino.I am also going to the cinema.
- MaximilianKommst du mit mir?Are you coming with me?
- SarahJa, das mache ich gerne.Yes, I would love to.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
