Gaining proficiency in a foreign language often involves finding the right translations for common words and phrases. If you’re learning German, you may wonder how to accurately translate the word “as” in different contexts. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “as” in German, both formally and informally. Additionally, we will include tips, examples, and discuss any regional variations that may exist.
Table of Contents
1. Translating “As” in General Contexts
In general situations where “as” is used to compare or connect ideas, the most common translation in German is “wie.” Let’s look at some examples:
Example 1:
English: He is as tall as his brother.
German: Er ist so groß wie sein Bruder.
Example 2:
English: I can do it as well as you can.
German: Ich kann es genauso gut wie du.
In these examples, “wie” has been used to express the comparison in German. It is a versatile word that can handle multiple scenarios.
2. “As” in the Sense of “In the Role of”
When “as” is used to indicate someone’s role or function, German requires a different translation. In these cases, the word “als” is used. Let’s see some examples:
Example 3:
English: She works as a teacher.
German: Sie arbeitet als Lehrerin.
Example 4:
English: He is regarded as a musical prodigy.
German: Er gilt als musikalisches Wunderkind.
Note that “als” introduces the function or role after the verb in these sentences.
3. “As” as a Time Indicator
In the sense of “as” referring to time, German again employs a different translation. The word “während” is commonly used to convey the meaning of “as” in this context. Take a look:
Example 5:
English: As I was walking home, it started to rain.
German: Während ich nach Hause lief, begann es zu regnen.
Example 6:
English: As time went by, things changed.
German: Während die Zeit verging, änderten sich die Dinge.
Using “während” helps convey the temporal meaning associated with “as.”
Informal Ways to say “As” in German
So far, we have covered the formal translations of “as” in German. However, it’s worth noting that German, like any language, has informal alternatives. These variations are typically used in casual conversations or among friends. Let’s explore two informal alternatives:
a) “Wie”
In informal German, you can often replace “als” with “wie” in certain contexts. While this may not be appropriate in formal writing, it is widely accepted in spoken language:
Example 7:
English: I work as a bartender.
German (Informal): Ich arbeite wie ‘n Barkeeper.
b) “Als ob”
When expressing comparisons in an informal manner, you can use “als ob” in place of “wie” or “als.” It adds a somewhat colloquial touch to the sentence:
Example 8:
English: She dances as if she were on air.
German (Informal): Sie tanzt, als ob sie auf Wolken schwebt.
Remember, these informal variations should be used in appropriate settings to ensure clear communication and avoid sounding overly casual in formal contexts.
Regional Variations
When it comes to regional variations, the translations for “as” remain fairly consistent throughout the German-speaking regions. However, certain dialects may introduce slight modifications. For example, in the southern dialects of German, particularly in Bavaria, “wie” can be replaced with “wie als” in some comparisons. Nevertheless, this is not widespread and can be considered more of a regional idiosyncrasy.
In Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the different translations of “as” in German across various contexts. We started by discussing general comparisons where “wie” is most commonly used, then moved on to “als” for indicating roles or functions. Additionally, we covered “während” for the temporal sense of “as.” We also discussed informal alternatives such as “wie” and “als ob,” which are frequently used in casual conversations. Finally, we touched on regional variations, noting that while slight variations may exist, they do not significantly impact the overall translations.
