ich bin mir bewusst
In German, 'I am aware' is expressed as ich bin mir bewusst.
This phrase is used to state that you have knowledge of a particular fact or situation. It often implies a state of being mindful or having a deep realization of a situation, rather than just possessing simple factual knowledge.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'I am to myself conscious', where bewusst functions as an adjective meaning 'conscious' or 'aware'.
Which one should you use?
While ich bin mir bewusst suggests a deeper realization or a state of being mindful, the phrase ich weiß es is used for conveying simple factual knowledge, such as 'I know it'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase follows the pattern sich einer Sache bewusst sein. If you follow the phrase with a noun instead of a 'dass' clause, you must use the genitive case. Additionally, when using a pronoun to say 'I am aware of that', you should use the genitive pronoun dessen instead of the accusative das, resulting in the form ich bin mir dessen bewusst.
Did you know?
- The word mir in the phrase ich bin mir bewusst is usually a reflexive form of 'me', but in some German dialects and related languages like Yiddish, mir is actually the word for 'we'.
- While ich bin mir bewusst uses a reflexive pronoun, it doesn't mean the speaker is doing something to themselves, but rather describes their internal state of mindfulness.
- While English uses 'aware' for both simple knowledge and deep realization, using bewusst for a simple fact in German can make the speaker sound unintentionally dramatic or overly profound.
Examples in context
- Ich bin mir bewusst, dass ich existiere.I am aware that I exist.This sentence demonstrates how to use ich bin mir bewusst within a clause.Tatoeba #10612143 by carlosalberto, translation #10612109 by carlosalberto
- Mir ist bekannt, dass das Projekt nächste Woche abgeschlossen sein muss.I am aware that the project needs to be completed next week.
- Ich bin darüber informiert, dass die Konferenz am Freitag stattfindet.I am aware that the conference takes place on Friday.
- Ich habe alle Projektinformationen im Blick.I am aware of all the project information.
- Ich bin mir der Gefahr bewusst.I am aware of the danger.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing a risky work project.
- SarahDas Projekt ist sehr riskant, Sarah.The project is very risky, Sarah.
- FelixJa, ich bin mir bewusst, dass wir scheitern könnten.Yes, I am aware that we could fail.
- SarahGlaubst du, dass es sich trotzdem lohnt?Do you think it is still worth it?
- FelixAuf jeden Fall, Felix.Definitely, Felix.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bewusst, bin, ich, mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
