existieren
/ˌɛksɪsˈtiːʁən/
To exist in German is expressed by existieren or bestehen.
Meaning: to be (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| existieren | /ˌɛksɪsˈtiːʁən/ |
| bestehen | /bəˈʃteːən/ |
The German language offers several ways to express existence depending on the context. While existieren and bestehen are grammatically correct, German speakers much more frequently use the phrase es gibt to express that something exists in a given location or situation.
Which one should you use?
existieren is a more formal, Latinate term often used in scientific, philosophical or abstract contexts. bestehen can mean to exist, often in the sense of a state or condition, but it is also the standard verb for 'to consist of' when used with the preposition aus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌɛksɪsˈtiːʁən/
Did you know?
- Bestehen is the same verb used for 'passing' an exam. In this context, it implies that the person has 'stood' the test and survived it.
- Bestehen can also mean 'to insist'. If someone insists on a point, they are effectively making that point 'exist' or 'stand' in the conversation.
- The word existenz (existence) is often used in the compound Existenzminimum, which refers to the legal minimum income needed to survive in Germany.
Examples in context
- Auch andere Meinungen existieren.Other opinions do exist.This sentence is useful for showing that other opinions exist using existieren.Tatoeba #2110890 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10605054 by sundown
- Niemand kann ohne Essen existieren.Nobody can exist without food.This sentence shows the use of existieren regarding the necessity of food.Tatoeba #1524460 by Esperantostern, translation #276643 by CK
- Ich will leben, nicht nur existieren.I want to live, not just exist.This sentence illustrates the use of existieren when contrasting living with merely existing.Tatoeba #12688246 by mhr, translation #13618024 by araneo
- Es tut mir leid, aber diese Datei existiert nicht.I'm sorry, but this file does not exist.
- Diese Möglichkeit besteht tatsächlich.This possibility does actually exist.
- Gibt's hier einen guten Club in der Nähe?Is there a good club nearby?
- Gibt es denn hier irgendwo einen Parkplatz?Is there somewhere to park around here?
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are discussing a mysterious phenomenon in an old book.
- LukasExistieren diese Wesen wirklich?Do these creatures really exist?
- LauraIch weiß es nicht, Lukas.I don't know, Lukas.
- LukasIn diesem Buch existieren sie als Legenden.In this book, they exist as legends.
- LauraDas ist eine faszinierende Geschichte.That is a fascinating story.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “exist” translations and entries existieren, bestehen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
