wie
/viː/
The German word for 'as' in the sense of 'in the role of' is wie.
The word wie is used in German to express comparisons in general contexts. It can also be used as part of the construction so … wie to mean 'to such an extent or degree'.
Meaning: In the role of (prep)
Which one should you use?
While wie is used for general comparisons, you should use als when you want to indicate a specific role or function. Additionally, if you are using 'as' to convey a temporal meaning, the correct German word is während. Note that As also exists in German as a noun referring to a Roman coin.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/viː/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use wie when they mean 'as' in the context of a role. For example, instead of saying Ich arbeite wie Lehrer, you should say Ich arbeite als Lehrer to correctly indicate your function.
Did you know?
- The German word wie is a distant cousin to the English word 'why'. They both stem from the same ancient Proto-Germanic roots used to ask questions.
- The word wie is used to start many common German idioms that describe things that are completely different, such as wie Feuer und Wasser meaning 'like fire and water'.
- In certain regional dialects of German, wie can be used in place of als for roles, though this is considered incorrect in standard High German.
Examples in context
- Es ist wie immer.It's the same as ever.This sentence shows how to use wie for comparison.Tatoeba #6384568 by ruth_tatoeba, translation #11166237 by sundown
- Komm, wie du bist.Come as you are.This sentence demonstrates the use of wie in a comparative context.Tatoeba #8250764 by driini, translation #1839424 by CK
- Er ist dumm wie Brot.He's dumb as a rock.This sentence uses wie as part of a common comparative idiom.Tatoeba #11491522 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9754832 by Hybrid
- Er ist so groß wie sein Bruder.He is as tall as his brother.
- Ich kann es genauso gut wie du.I can do it as well as you can.
- Sie arbeitet als Lehrerin.She works as a teacher.
- Er gilt als musikalisches Wunderkind.He is regarded as a musical prodigy.
- Während ich nach Hause lief, begann es zu regnen.As I was walking home, it started to rain.
- Während die Zeit verging, änderten sich die Dinge.As time went by, things changed.
- 4222 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing a project at school.
- FelixIch arbeite hier wie Teamleiter.I am working here as team leader.
- HannahDas passt gut zu dir, Felix.That suits you well, Felix.
- FelixUnd du hilfst mir wie Beraterin.And you are helping me as a consultant.
- HannahKlar, das mache ich gerne.Sure, I'd be happy to do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry wie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
