einfach
/ˈʔaɪ̯nfax/
The English phrase "easy" can be translated into German as einfach or leicht.
Meaning: requiring little skill or effort (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| einfach | /ˈʔaɪ̯nfax/ |
| leicht | /laɪ̯çt/ |
Both terms describe something requiring little skill or effort. However, einfach is more closely associated with the concept of being "simple" or "uncomplicated". Additionally, einfach frequently functions as an adverb meaning "simply" or "just".
Which one should you use?
While both words can mean "easy", leicht is also the standard German word for "light" in terms of weight. In contrast, einfach carries the nuance of being "simple".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, the word eifach is used to mean "easy".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective before a noun, both leicht and einfach must take the appropriate declension endings, such as in eine leichte Aufgabe.
How do you pronounce it?
einfach is pronounced /ˈʔaɪ̯nfax/.
Did you know?
- To describe something as 'piece of cake', Germans might say das ist ein Klacks, using a word that historically referred to a small dab of something.
- If you call a person einfach, you might not be complimenting their ability, as it can also mean 'simple' in the sense of being basic or unsophisticated.
- The word einfach literally means 'one-fold' or 'single-layered', stemming from the combination of 'ein' and 'fach'.
Examples in context
- Es ist zu leicht.It's too easy.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of leicht.Tatoeba #1909553 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1894558 by CK
- Das ist zu leicht.That's too easy.Tatoeba #1909554 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2251293 by CK
- Es war zu einfach.It was too easy.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of einfach.Tatoeba #3928106 by pne, translation #3737546 by CK
- Diese Aufgabe ist einfach.This task is easy.
- Das Buch war leicht zu verstehen.The book was easy to understand.
- Die Anwendung ist unkompliziert.The application is easy to use.
- Der Vortrag war leicht verständlich.The presentation was easy to understand.
- Die Prüfung war wirklich einfach.The exam was really easy.
- Das war doch pipifax!That was a piece of cake!
- Das ist ganz einfach zu erledigen.That is quite easy to handle.
- 1010 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a math problem.
- FelixWar die Hausaufgabe einfach?Was the homework easy?
- LauraJa, sie war wirklich einfach.Yes, it was really easy.
- FelixDas freut mich für dich.I am happy for you.
- LauraDanke, Felix!Thanks, Felix!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “easy” translations and entries einfach, leicht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries einfach, leicht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
