auch
/aʊ̯x/
The German word auch means also or too.
auch is used to indicate that something else is also true or included. The position of auch in a sentence can change the emphasis. Placing it before a specific noun or adjective highlights that particular element is also included.
Which one should you use?
While auch means also or too, it is distinct from ebenfalls or ebenso, which are more formal ways to say likewise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, auch is sometimes replaced with a.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯x/
Did you know?
- In Middle High German, the word was written as ouch, a spelling that looks much more like the modern English 'ouch' than the current German auch.
- In certain German dialects, auch can be used as a filler word to express a subtle sense of resignation or 'it is what it is'.
- The phrase das ist auch nicht alles can be used idiomatically to imply that there is far more to a story than the speaker has revealed.
Examples in context
- Ich will auch ein Eis.Stress on “auch”: I too want an ice cream.This sentence demonstrates how placing stress on auch conveys the meaning 'I too want an ice cream'.
- Das ist auch gut.That is also good.
- Er kommt auch zur Party.He is also coming to the party.
- Das ist auch richtig.That is also correct.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- FelixIch gehe am Samstag ins Kino.I am going to the cinema on Saturday.
- HannahIch möchte auch ins Kino gehen.I also want to go to the cinema.
- FelixDann können wir zusammen gehen.Then we can go together.
- HannahDas klingt gut, Felix.That sounds good, Felix.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
