ich komme
The German phrase for "I am coming" is ich komme.
ich komme is used to tell someone that you are moving toward their location. Note that, just like in English, this phrase is also the standard way to say "I am coming" in a sexual context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Berlin and parts of Northern Germany, you might hear the variation Ick komm' ma eben rum. (I'm coming around). In Bavaria and parts of Southern Germany, the variation I kumm glei. (I'm coming soon) is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
German does not have a separate continuous aspect like the English "am coming", so the simple present ich komme is used for both "I come" and "I am coming".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid trying to translate the English continuous "am coming" literally into German as ich bin kommend. This is grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural.
When do people say it?
If you want to inform someone that you will arrive shortly, you can use the informal phrase Ich bin gleich da. (I am almost there).
Did you know?
- The word ich shares a very ancient lineage with the English 'I', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *eǵh₂óm.
- While 'ich komme' describes the act of movement, the common alternative Ich bin gleich da focuses on the state of being almost at the destination.
- In the south, specifically in Bavaria, a local might say I kumm glei instead of the standard ich komme to mean they are arriving soon.
Examples in context
- Ich komme mit dir mit.I am coming with you.This sentence shows how to use ich komme to say you are accompanying someone.Tatoeba #8871212 by wolfgangth, translation #7933628 by Nazar_Durdiyew
- Sag ihr, dass ich komme.Tell her that I am coming.This sentence uses ich komme to convey a message to a third person.Tatoeba #11829485 by Naina, translation #1741557 by Amastan
- Ich komme rein, um Kaffee zu trinken.I am coming inside to drink coffee.This sentence uses ich komme to explain the purpose of entering a space.Tatoeba #4800872 by Raringo, translation #6904023 by Dalyup
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas is waiting for Hannah at the train station.
- HannahLukas, wo bist du?Lukas, where are you?
- LukasIch bin gleich da, ich komme!I'll be there soon, I am coming!
- HannahBeeil dich bitte.Please hurry up.
- LukasJa, ich komme schon.Yes, I am coming now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
