Ich lerne
The English phrase "I am studying" is translated into German as Ich lerne.
Ich lerne is used to express that you are learning a subject or acquiring new knowledge.
Which one should you use?
Use Ich lerne for general learning, such as learning a language or a hobby. If you are specifically referring to being enrolled in a degree program at a university, use Ich studiere instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
German does not have a continuous aspect like English, so Ich lerne is used to cover both "I learn" and "I am studying".
Did you know?
- If you are studying for a driving test, you would say Ich lerne, because using studieren would sound as though you were pursuing a PhD in driving theory.
- The verb studieren can also mean to examine something very closely, such as 'studying' a map or a person's face, without being in school.
- German uses the same word lernen for both the process of studying and the act of memorizing something by heart.
Examples in context
- Ich lerne sehr fleißig.I am studying very hard.Tatoeba #5320121 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #256080 by CK
- Ich lerne für einen Test.I am studying for a test.Tatoeba #9199315 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8977738 by mccarras
- Ich lerne mehrere Sprachen.I am studying several languages.Tatoeba #7489749 by Yorwba, translation #4247980 by sundown
- Ich beschäftige mich mit meinem Studium.I am occupied with my studies.
- Ich lerne gerade.I am learning right now.
- Ich pauke gerade für mein Studium.I am cramming for my studies.
- Ich hocke gerade über meinen Büchern.I am currently hunched over my books.
- Ich bin im Lernmodus.I am in study mode.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are talking in a cafe about their free time.
- MaximilianWas machst du heute?What are you doing today?
- SarahIch lerne gerade Spanisch.I am studying Spanish right now.
- MaximilianDas ist toll, Sarah!That is great, Sarah!
- SarahDanke, Maximilian.Thanks, Maximilian.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
