ich bin Deutscher
The English phrase "I am german" is translated into German as ich bin Deutscher.
This phrase is used to identify one's nationality as being from Germany.
Which one should you use?
The phrase ich bin Deutscher uses a noun to state your nationality. In contrast, the phrase ich bin deutsch uses an adjective and is a more common, neutral way to express being German.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ich bin Deutscher specifically identifies the speaker as a male.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word "German" while speaking German. Instead, use Deutscher or deutsch.
Did you know?
- The word deutsch comes from the Old High German word for the 'people's language', which was used to distinguish the native tongue from the Latin spoken by the elite.
- Because Deutscher is a gendered noun, a woman would change the phrase to ich bin Deutsche to correctly identify her nationality.
- In some contexts, stating ich bin Deutscher can sound more formal or assertive than the neutral ich bin deutsch, as using a noun often implies a stronger sense of identity.
Examples in context
- Nein, mein Herr, ich bin Deutscher.No, Sir, I am German.This sentence is useful for practicing how to respond to a person of authority using ich bin Deutscher.Tatoeba #1357292 by Eldad, translation #1214882 by eadbannon
- Ich bin Deutscher.I am German.This sentence is a simple way to practice the phrase ich bin Deutscher.Tatoeba #5381500 by nina99nv, translation #3221039 by CN
- Ich bin Deutscher. Ich komme aus Hamburg.I am German. I come from Hamburg.
- woher kommst du?Where are you from?
- Ich bin Deutscher. Ich komme aus Berlin.I am German. I come from Berlin.
Example conversation
A man and a woman are meeting at a language school.
- JuliaSind Sie aus Italien?Are you from Italy?
- FelixNein, ich bin Deutscher.No, I am German.
- JuliaAch so, wie schön!Oh, I see, how lovely!
- FelixFreut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.Nice to meet you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Deutscher, bin, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
