auch
/aʊ̯x/
The English phrase 'as well' can be translated into German using auch. Wiktionary also lists sowie.
Meaning: in addition, also (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| auch | /aʊ̯x/ (standard) /aʊ̯/ (Austria, Southern Germany, also, southern Germany) |
| sowie | [zoˈviː] (Germany, narrow) [soˈviː] (Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland, narrow) |
The word auch is used to mean 'also', 'too' or 'as well'. It is the standard and most versatile way to express this idea in almost any context.
Which one should you use?
While auch is a standalone adverb used to mean 'also' or 'as well', the word sowie is primarily used as a conjunction meaning 'as well as' to connect items in a list.
How does it change in a sentence?
In English, 'as well' or 'too' typically appears at the end of a sentence. In German, auch often precedes the specific part of the sentence that it is emphasizing.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯x/
Did you know?
- The word auch can be used as a sarcastic particle to express doubt or disbelief about a claim.
- The German word auch shares a common ancestor with the English word 'eke', as seen in the phrase 'to eke out a living'.
- While auch means 'also', using it in response to a negative statement implies 'neither', whereas English often requires a different word.
Examples in context
- Ich war auch da.I was there as well.This sentence shows how to use auch to indicate presence.Tatoeba #8466458 by Luiaard, translation #5958606 by CK
- Das ist auch wahr.That's true as well.This sentence demonstrates how auch can be used to confirm a statement.Tatoeba #816157 by Esperantostern, translation #776421 by CM
- Tom geht auch hin.Tom will go as well.This sentence illustrates the use of auch regarding movement.Tatoeba #4018929 by pullnosemans, translation #3922005 by CK
- Ich spreche Englisch, und ich spreche auch Deutsch.I speak English, and I speak German as well.
- Er mag Schokolade, sie mag Schokolade auch.He likes chocolate, she likes chocolate as well.
- Wir möchten ins Kino gehen, und wir möchten auch etwas essen.We want to go to the cinema, and we want to eat something as well.
- Herr Müller war auf der Konferenz, Frau Schmidt war ebenfalls dort.Mr. Müller was at the conference, Mrs. Schmidt was there as well.
- Das Projekt wurde von Robert geleitet, und es wurde ebenfalls erfolgreich abgeschlossen.The project was led by Robert, and it was successfully completed as well.
- Ich gehe heute Abend ins Kino. Gehst du auch?I'm going to the cinema tonight. Are you going as well?
- Ich habe das Buch gelesen, und meine Freunde haben es auch gelesen.I've read the book, and my friends have read it as well.
- Ich liebe Pizza, und er liebt Pizza genauso.I love pizza, and he loves pizza as well.
- Ich trinke gerne Bier, aber ich genieße auch mal einen Wein.I like drinking beer, but I also enjoy a glass of wine every now and then.
- Er hat ein Auto, aber er fährt auch mal mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit.He has a car, but he also cycles to work sometimes.
- Ich räume die Küche auf, und du kannst das Geschirr auch gleich spülen.I'll clean up the kitchen, and you can wash the dishes as well.
- Wir gehen einkaufen und können die Besorgungen für die Party auch gleich erledigen.We're going shopping, and we can take care of the party preparations as well.
- 346 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are deciding what to order at a cafe.
- LukasIch nehme ein Stück Kuchen.I'll have a piece of cake.
- JuliaIch möchte auch Kuchen essen.I want to eat cake as well.
- LukasMöchtest du auch einen Tee?Would you also like a tea?
- JuliaJa, das wäre sehr gut.Yes, that would be very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “as well” translations and entries auch, sowie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auch, sowie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
