bei
/baɪ̯/
The English word 'at' can be translated into German using several prepositions, most commonly bei. Wiktionary also lists an and auf.
Meaning: in or very near a particular place (prep)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| bei | /baɪ̯/ |
| an | /an/ |
| auf | /aʊ̯f/ |
| in | /ʔɪn/ |
| zu | /t͡suː/ (standard) /t͡sə/ |
These prepositions are used to describe being in or very near a particular place.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific context of 'at'. Use bei when 'at' refers to being at a person's house or at a specific company/business. Use an when 'at' implies being at a vertical surface or a border, such as 'an der Wand' (at/on the wall). In colloquial German, in is often used to express 'at' in the sense of being present at a particular place like parties, events or concerts.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɪ̯/
Did you know?
- In Germany, saying you are bei a company means you are employed there, not just physically 'at' the office.
- German distinguishes between being 'at' a vertical surface, using an, and being 'at' a horizontal surface, using auf.
- The word bei is a linguistic relative of the English word 'by', sharing a common Germanic root that denotes being close to something.
Examples in context
- Er sah sie an.He was looking at her.This sentence shows the use of an.Tatoeba #2342928 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2342599 by Hybrid
- Sie sah ihn an.She was looking at him.Tatoeba #2342930 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2342600 by Hybrid
- Er sah dich an.He was looking at you.Tatoeba #2342942 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2342595 by Hybrid
- Ich warte bei der Bushaltestelle.I'm waiting at the bus stop.
- Ich bin an der Universität.I'm at the university.
- Wir sehen uns am Wochenende.We'll see each other on the weekend.
- Ich war in der Bar.I was at the bar.
- Sie ist in der Disco.She is at the disco.
- 11180 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are discussing where to meet for coffee.
- FelixTreffen wir uns bei der Kirche?Shall we meet at the church?
- JuliaJa, das ist ein guter Ort.Yes, that is a good place.
- FelixIch bin schon bei der Kirche.I am already at the church.
- JuliaIch komme sofort zu dir, Felix.I am coming to you immediately, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at” translations and entries bei, an, auf, in, zu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries an, auf, bei, in, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
