ich bin schlau
The English phrase "I am smart" can be said in German as ich bin schlau.
The phrase is used to state that one possesses a quick mind or is intelligent.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian dialect, you can say I bin gscheit. to mean "I am smart".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ich bin schlau, the word schlau is an adjective. It does not change its ending when used after the verb sein (to be) in this specific sentence structure.
Did you know?
- The adjective schlau may originate from a root meaning to 'creep' or 'sneak' in Proto-Germanic. This suggests that being 'smart' was once linked to the ability to move stealthily or act clandestinely.
- In German, schlau is often used to describe 'street smarts' or cunning, whereas intelligent is used for academic or cognitive ability.
- A person might be called schlau as a compliment, but if the context is negative, it can imply they are being 'too clever for their own good' or manipulative.
Examples in context
- Danke, es läuft super. Ich bin schlau!Thanks, it's going great. I am smart!
- Ich verfüge über eine hohe Intelligenz und eine schnelle Auffassungsgabe.I possess a high level of intelligence and quick comprehension.
- Ich bin schlau.I am smart.
- Glaub mir, ich bin schlau.Believe me, I am smart.
- Keine Sorge, ich bin schlau.Don't worry, I am smart.
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are playing a strategy board game.
- HannahIch gewinne dieses Spiel ganz schnell.I will win this game very quickly.
- LukasWarum glaubst du das, Hannah?Why do you think that, Hannah?
- HannahWeil ich bin schlau!Because I am smart!
- LukasWir werden ja sehen, Lukas sagt nein.We shall see, Lukas says no.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bin, ich, schlau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
