sind
The English word 'are' is translated into German as sind.
The word sind is the present tense plural form of the verb 'to be'.
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'are' for plural subjects, the German sind is also the required form when using the formal singular 'you' (Sie). Additionally, the form seid is used to address a group of people informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sind serves as both the first-person plural and the third-person plural form of the verb.
Did you know?
- The use of sind for the formal singular Sie effectively treats a single respected person as a plural entity in the eyes of the grammar.
- The verb sein is considered the most irregular verb in the German language. Its forms change so drastically between the present and the past that they barely look like the same word.
- The spelling of sind was historically sint. It likely shifted to the modern version because the 'nd' consonant cluster is much more common and natural in German than the 'nt' cluster.
Examples in context
- Und da sind sie.And here they are.This sentence shows how to use sind to state a location.Tatoeba #1301102 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1349846 by sacredceltic
- Sie sind im Weg.They are in the way.This sentence demonstrates how to use sind to describe a state of being in someone's way.Tatoeba #1700862 by Esperantostern, translation #265659 by CK
- Wie viel sind es?How many are there?This sentence is useful for asking about a quantity using sind.Tatoeba #952498 by Espi, translation #7813990 by CK
- Wo sind Sie?Where are you?
- Wo seid ihr?Where are you all?
- Sind Sie bereit?Are you ready?
- Bist du zu Hause?Are you at home?
- Sind sie Geschwister?Are they siblings?
- Seid ihr glücklich?Are you all happy?
- 7101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are at a cafe looking at their orders.
- JulianWo sind die Kekse?Where are the cookies?
- HannahSie sind hier auf dem Tisch.They are here on the table.
- JulianAh, danke Hannah.Ah, thanks Hannah.
- HannahGerne, Julian.You're welcome, Julian.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sind, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
