Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| mit | /mɪt/ |
| mittels | /ˈmɪtl̩s/ |
| durch | /dʊʁç/ /dʊɐ̯ç/ |
| indem | /ɪnˈdeːm/ |
In German, "by" is expressed through different forms depending on whether you are describing a means of transport, a medium or process or the manner in which an action is performed.
Which one should you use?
Use mit when referring to means of transport. Use durch when the means is a medium or a process, such as "by means of". If "by" introduces a clause describing how an action is performed (for example, "by working hard"), use the conjunction indem instead of a preposition.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The preposition mittels is a formal way to say "by means of".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition mit always takes the dative case. The formal preposition mittels always takes the genitive case.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɪt/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using durch to mean "by" when referring to transport. Instead, use mit for vehicles.
Did you know?
- The word durch is used in various idiomatic expressions for madness or chaos, such as durchdrehen which means 'to go crazy'.
- While mit is the common way to say 'by' for transport, it is the same word used for 'with' when referring to people.
Examples in context
- Er kam mit dem Bus.He came by bus.This sentence demonstrates using mit for a bus.Tatoeba #1314530 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #35399 by CK
- Tom kam mit dem Zug.Tom came by train.This sentence demonstrates using mit for a train.Tatoeba #9813621 by wolfgangth, translation #6664365 by CK
- Er fuhr mit dem Bus.He went by bus.Tatoeba #10654124 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9510276 by sundown
- 1850 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding how to travel to a cafe.
- MaximilianFährst du mit dem Auto?Are you going by car?
- JuliaNein, ich komme mit dem Bus.No, I am coming by bus.
- MaximilianSoll ich mit dem Fahrrad kommen?Should I come by bicycle?
- JuliaJa, das ist eine gute Idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by” translations and entries mit, mittels, durch, indem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries durch, mit, mittels, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
