ich bin klein
The German phrase for "I am short" is ich bin klein.
This phrase is used to state that a person has a small physical height. In German, the word klein is used for both "small" and "short" when referring to a person's physical stature.
Which one should you use?
While ich bin klein is the standard way to describe height, do not use ich bin kurz to say you are short. The word kurz refers only to length or duration, such as a short film or a short distance.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ich bin kurz to describe your height. This is an error because kurz is reserved for describing length or duration.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Ich bin klein.I am short.Tatoeba #4365963 by Adelpa, translation #436273 by lukaszpp
- Die meisten Leute in meiner Familie sind groß, aber ich bin klein.Most people in my family are tall, but I am short.
- Mein Doktor hat mir gesagt, dass ich für mein Alter nicht besonders groß bin.My doctor told me that I'm not particularly tall for my age.
- Ja, ich bin klein geraten, aber das hat mich noch nie davon abgehalten, meine Ziele zu erreichen.Yes, I turned out short, but that has never stopped me from achieving my goals.
- Heute beim Konzert musste ich wieder in der dritten Reihe stehen. Ich bin halt nicht gerade der Größte.Today at the concert, I had to stand in the third row again. I'm just not exactly the tallest.
- Vergiss nicht, dass ich eher klein bin, wenn wir uns entscheiden, wer die Obstkörbe vom obersten Regal holt!Don't forget that I am rather short when we decide who gets the fruit baskets from the top shelf!
- Ich bin klein, aber sehr schnell.I am short, but very fast.
- Keine Sorge, ich bin klein.Don't worry, I am short.
Example conversation
Two friends are comparing their heights in front of a mirror.
- FelixIch bin klein, oder?I am short, right?
- JuliaJa, du bist klein, Felix.Yes, you are short, Felix.
- FelixUnd du bist sehr groß, Julia.And you are very tall, Julia.
- JuliaDanke für das Kompliment!Thanks for the compliment!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bin, ich, klein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
