Germans have a rich language that allows for various ways to express emotions. When it comes to saying “I am crying” in German, you can choose between formal and informal expressions depending on the context and the person you are speaking to. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to convey this sentiment, providing tips, examples, and even some regional variations to help you better understand German culture and language. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
If you find yourself in a formal situation or speaking to someone you should address with respect, these phrases will help you express that you are crying in a formal manner:
1. “Ich weine.”
This simple expression translates to “I am crying.” It is straightforward and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. It is a polite and appropriate way to convey your tears in a formal setting or when speaking to someone you do not know well.
Example:
A: “Haben Sie gehört, was passiert ist?” (Have you heard what happened?)
B: “Ja, es ist so traurig. Ich weine.” (Yes, it is so sad. I am crying.)
2. “Es laufen mir Tränen über die Wangen.”
This more descriptive phrase translates to “Tears are running down my cheeks.” It conveys a strong visual image and is suitable for formal situations where you want to express your emotions vividly.
Example:
A: “Warum sind Sie so traurig?” (Why are you so sad?)
B: “Es ist so überwältigend, es laufen mir Tränen über die Wangen.” (It’s so overwhelming, tears are running down my cheeks.)
Informal Expressions
If you are in an informal setting or speaking to friends, family, or close acquaintances, these expressions will help you express that you are crying in a more casual way:
1. “Ich bin am Weinen.”
This expression translates to “I am crying” in a colloquial manner. It is commonly used among friends or family members to convey emotions.
Example:
A: “Was ist los? Warum weinst du?” (What’s wrong? Why are you crying?)
B: “Ich bin am Weinen, es war wirklich traurig.” (I am crying, it was really sad.)
2. “Mir laufen die Tränen.”
This phrase translates to “Tears are running (to/for) me.” It is used informally to convey that tears are streaming down your face.
Example:
A: “Bist du okay? Du siehst traurig aus.” (Are you okay? You look sad.)
B: “Mir laufen die Tränen, ich kann es nicht mehr zurückhalten.” (Tears are running down my face, I can’t hold it back anymore.)
Regional Variations
German is spoken in different regions, and some expressions may vary slightly depending on the area. While the above phrases are universal, here is a regional variation:
1. Bavaria (southern Germany and Austria)
In Bavaria, people might use the following expression to say “I am crying”:
“I schlag’d Wosser.” (I beat water.)
Example:
A: “Was ist los? Warum bist du traurig?” (What’s wrong? Why are you sad?)
B: “I schlag’d Wosser, weil es so herzzerreißend ist.” (I am crying because it’s so heart-wrenching.)
Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to say “I am crying” in various ways in German, both formally and informally, you are equipped to express your emotions accurately in different situations. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the formality of the context and the person you are speaking to. Whether you opt for a straightforward statement or a descriptive phrase, your German counterparts will appreciate your ability to communicate effectively in their language. Viel Glück (Good luck) with your German language journey!
