What does it mean word for word?
The word sehr means "very" and schlau means "smart" or "clever".
Which one should you use?
While schlau is a common way to say smart, ich bin sehr intelligent is a more formal alternative often used in academic or professional contexts to describe cognitive ability. Additionally, ich bin sehr klug is a common alternative that often carries a more positive connotation of wisdom or sound judgment, whereas schlau can sometimes imply being "cunning" or "sly".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the phrase I bin ganz schön gscheid! is used to mean "I am pretty smart!"
How does it change in a sentence?
When using an adjective after the verb sein (to be), the adjective remains uninflected. For example, do not add an -e to the end of the adjective.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly say ich bin sehr schlaue. However, in this predicate position, the adjective should not have an -e added to it.
Did you know?
- The German word sehr for 'very' originally meant 'sored' or 'injured'. This is the same linguistic path taken by the English word 'sorely' in expressions like 'sorely missed'.
Examples in context
- Ich bin sehr schlau.I am very smart.
- Glaub mir, ich bin sehr schlau.Believe me, I am very smart.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are playing a board game.
- MaximilianIch habe das Spiel gewonnen, denn ich bin sehr schlau!I won the game because I am very smart!
- HannahDu bist wirklich sehr schlau, Maximilian.You are really very smart, Maximilian.
- MaximilianDanke, das weiß ich.Thanks, I know that.
- HannahAber ich bin auch sehr schlau!But I am also very smart!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bin, ich, schlau, sehr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
