ich stimme zu
/ɪç ˈʃtɪmə t͡sə/word by word
The English phrase "I agree" is translated into German as ich stimme zu.
You use this phrase to express that you hold the same opinion as someone else or to signal that you accept a proposal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is based on the verb zustimmen, which is composed of zu (to/towards) and stimmen (to be correct/to ring true).
Which one should you use?
While ich stimme zu is used to express agreement with an opinion or a proposal, the alternative ich bin einverstanden is more commonly used to express agreement to a specific plan or arrangement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the separable verb zustimmen, which means the prefix zu moves to the end of a simple main clause. Additionally, if you want to say "I agree with you", the verb requires the dative case, as seen in the form ich stimme dir zu.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈʃtɪmə tsə/
Did you know?
- The root of stimme is the same as the word for 'voice', implying that agreeing is literally giving your voice to a cause.
- While ich stimme zu is standard, Germans often use the word genau (exactly) as a one-word replacement to signal constant agreement during a conversation.
- The word stimmen can also mean 'to tune' a musical instrument, as if the instrument is being brought into agreement with a pitch.
Examples in context
- Jawohl! Ich stimme zu.Yes! I agree.This example shows how to use the phrase as a simple, emphatic response.Tatoeba #5584758 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5170390 by tabular
- Ich denke, ich stimme zu.I think I agree.This sentence illustrates a more hesitant way of agreeing.Tatoeba #3253579 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2407728 by CK
- Ich stimme zu, daß Tom ein ziemlich interessanter Typ ist.I agree that Tom is a pretty interesting guy.This example demonstrates how to use the phrase to introduce a subordinate clause expressing what you agree with.Tatoeba #12685227 by Waldelfe, translation #11603071 by CK
- Ich stimme zu. Das ist eine großartige Idee.I agree. That is a great idea.
- Stimmt, der Film war wirklich gut!True, the movie was really good!
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are deciding on a restaurant for dinner.
- FelixWollen wir heute Abend Pizza essen?Do we want to eat pizza tonight?
- LauraJa, ich stimme zu, das klingt super!Yes, I agree, that sounds great!
- FelixSollen wir direkt dort hingehen?Should we go straight there?
- LauraKlar, gehen wir los.Sure, let's go.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ich, Stimme, zu) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
