immer
/ˈɪmɐ/
The English word 'always' is translated into German as immer. Wiktionary also lists stets.
Meaning: at all times (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| immer | /ˈɪmɐ/ | |
| stets | /ʃteːts/ | formal |
The word is used to mean 'at all times'. You can add the word wirklich before immer to add emphasis, which means 'really always'.
Which one should you use?
stets is a more formal or literary version that is often found in poetic contexts, official documents or written texts. Note that dauernd is a colloquial term used in spoken German to mean 'all the time' or 'constantly'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
stets carries a more formal tone and is commonly used in written communication.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɪmɐ/
Did you know?
- In German, immer can be used to describe a continuing process of change, such as immer besser, meaning 'better and better'.
- While immer is a neutral term for 'always', the colloquial dauernd often carries a negative connotation of annoyance, similar to saying 'constantly' when complaining.
- The German word immer is actually a distant relative of the English word 'ever', sharing roots that point back to the concept of 'age' or 'eternity'.
Examples in context
- Es ist immer so.It's always like that.Tatoeba #3754693 by Jens_Odo, translation #3736225 by CK
- Ist er immer so?Is he always like this?Tatoeba #4054991 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4054971 by Hybrid
- Ißt du immer so?Do you always eat like this?Tatoeba #12641268 by Waldelfe, translation #9865435 by CK
- Ich bin immer pünktlichI am always punctual.
- Wir sind stets bemüht, unseren Kunden zu helfenWe are always committed to assisting our customers.
- Ich wünsche dir allzeit viel GlückI wish you always good luck.
- Ich bin immer noch hungrigI am still hungry.
- Er isst die ganze Zeit SchokoladeHe's always eating chocolate.
- Sie ist dauernd am TelefonShe's always on the phone.
- Er nimmt immer die Bahn zur Arbeit.He always takes the train to work.
- Ich freue mich immer, dich zu sehen!I am always happy to see you!
- Sie kommt immer zu spät zu unseren Treffen.She's always late to our meetings.
- Er ist wirklich immer müdeHe is really always tired.
- Wir haben immer Spaß am Strand.We always have fun at the beach.
- Sie streiten sich immer.They're always arguing with each other.
- 4162 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are talking about a coworker.
- MaximilianIst sie immer so fleißig?Is she always so hardworking?
- LauraJa, sie ist immer sehr konzentriert.Yes, she is always very focused.
- MaximilianDas ist wirklich beeindruckend.That is really impressive.
- LauraMaximilian, sie wird immer besser.Maximilian, she is always getting better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “always” translations and entries immer, stets, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries immer, stets, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
