gewesen sein
In German, gewesen sein is the perfect infinitive form of the verb 'to be', used to translate 'have been'.
The form gewesen sein is most commonly used to express logical deduction or possibility. This occurs when the phrase is paired with modal verbs such as müssen (must), können (could/can) or wollen (to want/supposedly).
How does it change in a sentence?
gewesen is paired with a conjugated form of 'to be', such as ist gewesen or sind gewesen. Additionally, if used in an infinitive construction with 'zu', the phrase becomes gewesen zu sein.
Did you know?
- The word sein is a 'chimera' of different ancient roots. To create its full conjugation, German stitches together parts of several entirely unrelated verbs rather than following a single consistent pattern.
- The word sein is a homonym, meaning it is spelled and pronounced the same way whether it is the verb 'to be' or the possessive pronoun 'his'.
- The possessive form of sein is a cognate of the Old English word 'sīn', which eventually evolved into the modern English 'his'.
Examples in context
- Sie muß krank gewesen sein.She must have been sick.This sentence shows how to use gewesen sein with the modal verb 'must'.Tatoeba #13282222 by Waldelfe, translation #313343 by CK
- Tom muss krank gewesen sein.Tom must have been ill.This sentence illustrates the use of 'must' to express a logical deduction about being ill.Tatoeba #8989299 by Luiaard, translation #6874090 by CC
- Könnte es Mord gewesen sein?Could it have been murder?This sentence demonstrates a question regarding a possibility using 'could'.Tatoeba #11736902 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4666276 by CK
- Ich war in ParisI have been to Paris
- Ich war schon in LondonI have already been to London
- Hab's besuchtI've visited it
- Ich bi gwäsi in ZürichI have been to Zurich
- I bin g'wesen in WienI have been to Vienna
- Ich bin dort gewesenI have been there
- Ich war schon in MünchenI have already been to Munich
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing a missing book.
- JulianWo ist das Buch? Es muss hier gewesen sein.Where is the book? It must have been here.
- LauraIch weiß es nicht, Julian.I don't know, Julian.
- JulianKannst du es wirklich nicht gesehen haben?Could you really not have seen it?
- LauraNein, es kann nicht hier gewesen sein.No, it cannot have been here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
