und
/ʊnt/
The German word for "and" is und. Wiktionary also lists sowie.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| und | /ʊnt/ /ən/ |
| sowie | [zoˈviː] (Germany, narrow) [soˈviː] (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland, narrow) |
Used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj).
Which one should you use?
While und is the standard word for "and", sowie is a more formal alternative often used in written lists to mean "as well as".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
und is used in colloquial situations, whereas sowie can be used in formal contexts to convey precision and sophistication.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Germany, such as Bavaria, the term un is used for "and."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a coordinating conjunction, und does not change the word order of the clause that follows it.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʊnt/
Did you know?
- The Proto-Indo-European ancestor of und was actually *h₂énti, which originally meant 'towards' or 'at' rather than a simple connection.
- In traditional German storytelling and folklore, sentences frequently start with und to create a rhythmic, oral quality.
- In some German dialects, und is replaced by sounds that resemble 'n' or 'nd', blending almost invisibly into the previous word.
Examples in context
- Und da sind sie.And here they are.This sentence shows how to start a sentence with und.Tatoeba #1301102 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1349846 by sacredceltic
- Er sang und sang.He sang and sang.This sentence demonstrates the use of und to show continuous action.Tatoeba #782214 by Hans_Adler, translation #294486 by CM
- Geh und such Tom!Go and look for Tom.This sentence shows how to use und to connect two imperative verbs.Tatoeba #4286990 by Tamy, translation #3113256 by CK
- Ich habe Deutsch und Französisch gelernt.I have learned German and French.
- Er ist ein kluger sowie charmanter Mann.He is a smart and charming man.
- Ich geh noch schnell auf's Bier un dann muss ich nach Hause.I'll quickly grab a beer and then I have to go home.
- Sonja und Tim spielen Fußball.Sonja and Tim are playing soccer.
- Ich gehe einkaufen und dann koche ich Abendessen.I go shopping and then I cook dinner.
- Ich liebe Musik und spiele auch Gitarre.I love music and also play guitar.
- Das Kleid ist schön und teuer.The dress is beautiful and expensive.
- 17962 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are shopping for groceries.
- JulianBrauchen wir Milch und Eier?Do we need milk and eggs?
- JuliaJa, und auch Butter.Yes, and also butter.
- JulianIch nehme die Milch und die Butter.I'll take the milk and the butter.
- JuliaGut, Julian, ich hole die Eier.Good, Julian, I'll get the eggs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries und, sowie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sowie, und, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
