Ich lerne noch
In German, "I am still learning" is expressed as Ich lerne noch.
This phrase is used to indicate that a person has not yet finished the process of acquiring a specific skill or knowledge.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ich (I), lerne (learn) and noch (still/yet).
Which one should you use?
Using noch implies that the process is currently ongoing. In contrast, if you wanted to say that the process has not started or is delayed, you would use noch nicht (not yet).
How does it change in a sentence?
German does not have a continuous aspect like the English "am learning". Instead, the simple present tense lerne is used to express an ongoing action.
Did you know?
- In German, the word lernen can mean both 'to learn' and 'to study', unlike English which usually distinguishes between the two.
- In some contexts, Ich lerne noch can be a polite way to deflect a compliment about one's fluency in a language.
- The word noch is used in the phrase noch ein Bier, meaning 'one more beer', showing its role in adding to a current state.
Examples in context
- Eine Entschuldigung im Voraus, mein Deutsch ist nicht perfekt. Ich lerne noch.Apologies in advance, my German is not perfect. I am still learning.
- Ich bin noch nicht sicher, ob ich alles richtig verstanden habe. Ich übe noch mein Deutsch.I'm not yet sure if I understood everything correctly. I am still practicing my German.
- Vielen Dank für Ihre Geduld. Ich bin immer noch am Lernen, aber ich gebe mein Bestes.Thank you for your patience. I am still learning, but I am doing my best.
- Ich lerne noch Deutsch.I am still learning German.
- Ich lerne noch Klavier spielen.I am still learning to play the piano.
- Keine Sorge, ich lerne noch.Don't worry, I am still learning.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are talking about their hobbies.
- SarahSpielst du schon lange Klavier, Sarah?Have you been playing the piano for a long time, Sarah?
- FelixNein, ich lerne noch.No, I am still learning.
- SarahDas klingt toll, Felix!That sounds great, Felix!
- FelixDanke, es macht viel Spaß.Thanks, it is a lot of fun.
