ich weine
The English phrase "I am crying" is translated into German as ich weine.
This phrase is used to state that you are physically shedding tears from your eyes.
Which one should you use?
While ich weine refers specifically to the physical act of shedding tears, it is distinct from ich heule, which implies crying loudly or wailing like an animal or a baby.
How does it change in a sentence?
German does not have a continuous aspect. Therefore, the simple present form ich weine is used to express both "I cry" and "I am crying".
Did you know?
- While ich weine is the literal translation, Germans often use the phrase ich könnte heulen to express a feeling of overwhelming frustration or sadness, even when no tears are actually falling.
- The verb heulen is shared with the word for a wolf's howl, which is why it sounds more animalistic than the softer weinen.
- The German word Heulsack is a colloquial, somewhat old-fashioned term for a 'crybaby' or someone who cries excessively.
Examples in context
- Ja, ich weine.Yes, I am crying.This sentence is useful for confirming that you are indeed crying using the form ich weine.Tatoeba #1661292 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1661147 by Amastan
- Ich weine, weil ich so glücklich bin.I am crying because I am so happy.
- Vorsicht, ich weine gleich vor Erstaunen.Careful, I am about to cry from amazement.
Example conversation
Felix finds Julia watching a very sad movie.
- JuliaIch weine gerade bei diesem Film.I am crying during this movie right now.
- FelixIst er wirklich so traurig, Julia?Is it really that sad, Julia?
- JuliaJa, er ist extrem traurig.Yes, it is extremely sad.
- FelixDann sollte ich ihn mir nicht ansehen.Then I should not watch it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
