meins
/maɪ̯ns/
In German, 'dibs' is expressed as meins.
The word is typically shouted or stated abruptly to claim an item or a seat immediately.
Meaning: said to reserve to the right to something before anyone else (intj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form you use depends on the gender of the object you are claiming. Use meins when the object is a neuter noun, such as das Buch (the book). If the object being claimed is feminine, you should use meine instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯ns/
Did you know?
- If you are playing a game and someone shouts Meins!, you can jokingly respond with Nix! (Nothing!) to instantly nullify their claim. This verbal battle of possessives is common in casual play.
- While meins is a claim of ownership, some German speakers use the word Besetzt ('occupied') to claim a space before they even arrive, effectively placing 'dibs' on a seat with a bag or coat.
- While meins is used for objects, Germans may use the word Ich zuerst! ('Me first!') to claim a turn in a sequence, such as being the first to go down a slide.
Examples in context
- Meins.Dibs.This sentence is useful for learning how to state meins to claim something.Tatoeba #12207400 by mayabe, translation #2453188 by fenfang557
- Das ist meins!That's mine!
Example conversation
Julian and Laura see the last piece of cake.
- JulianSchau, ein Stück Kuchen!Look, a piece of cake!
- LauraMeins!Dibs!
- JulianDas ist nicht fair, Laura.That's not fair, Laura.
- LauraZu spät, Julian!Too late, Julian!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry meins, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
