How to Say “Always” in German: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to express the word “always” in German is an essential step towards mastering the language. Whether you want to communicate in a formal or informal setting, understanding the different ways to convey this concept will greatly enhance your fluency. In this guide, we will explore various translations for “always” in German, including formal and informal expressions. While regional variations may exist, we will focus on the most widely-used terms. Let’s dive in and begin our journey into the German language!

Formal Translations for “Always”

When engaging in formal conversations, such as speaking to your boss or a respected individual, it is crucial to use appropriate language. Let’s explore a few formal translations for “always” in German:

1. Immer: This is the most general and commonly used translation for “always” in formal situations. For example, you might say “Ich bin immer pünktlich” to convey “I am always punctual.”
2. Stets: This term carries a slightly more formal tone and is commonly used in written communication. For instance, you can write “Wir sind stets bemüht, unseren Kunden zu helfen” to mean “We are always committed to assisting our customers.”
3. Allzeit: Although less commonly used, “allzeit” can be a suitable formal translation for “always.” It often appears in more traditional or formal contexts. An example would be “Ich wünsche dir allzeit viel Glück” meaning “I wish you always good luck.”

Informal Translations for “Always”

When engaging in casual conversations with friends, colleagues, or family members, you’ll want to use a less formal vocabulary. Here are some informal translations for “always” in German:

1. Immer: Just like in formal contexts, “immer” is the most common and versatile translation for “always” in informal settings. For example, you can say “Ich bin immer noch hungrig” to express “I am still hungry.”
2. Die ganze Zeit: This informal phrase is often used to convey the idea of “all the time.” For instance, you might say “Er isst die ganze Zeit Schokolade” to mean “He’s always eating chocolate.”
3. Dauernd: This colloquial term is commonly used in spoken German to mean “all the time” or “constantly.” For example, you can say “Sie ist dauernd am Telefon” to say “She’s always on the phone.”

Examples and Tips

Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal translations for “always” in German, let’s take a look at some examples and additional tips to enhance your understanding:

Example 1: “He always takes the train to work.”
Translation: “Er nimmt immer die Bahn zur Arbeit.”
Tips: In this example, “immer” is used to indicate that the person consistently takes the train to work.

Example 2: “I am always happy to see you!”
Translation: “Ich freue mich immer, dich zu sehen!”
Tips: In this example, “immer” expresses the speaker’s constant joy upon seeing the other person.

Example 3: “She’s always late to our meetings.”
Translation: “Sie kommt immer zu spät zu unseren Treffen.”
Tips: In this example, “immer” emphasizes the person’s habit of being consistently late to meetings.

Pro Tip: To add further emphasis to your sentences, you can include the word “wirklich” (meaning “really”) before “immer.” For example, “Er ist wirklich immer müde” translates to “He is really always tired.” This intensifies the meaning of “always” in the sentence.

Example 4: “We always have fun at the beach.”
Translation: “Wir haben immer Spaß am Strand.”
Tips: Here, “immer” conveys the idea that going to the beach is consistently enjoyable for the speaker.

Example 5: “They’re always arguing with each other.”
Translation: “Sie streiten sich immer.”
Tips: In this example, “immer” emphasizes the constant nature of the arguments between the individuals.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations on reaching the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “always” in German! You have learned formal and informal expressions to convey this concept, allowing you to navigate various social situations confidently. Remember to practice using these translations in context to further improve your language skills. Whether you’re using “immer,” “stets,” or any of the other translations discussed, you are now equipped to express the notion of “always” in German effectively. Keep up the great work and enjoy your German language journey!