Ich lebe
The English phrase "I live" is translated into German as Ich lebe.
Ich lebe is used to make a statement that a person is alive or exists. It emphasizes the state of being alive or the manner in which one lives their life.
Which one should you use?
While Ich lebe emphasizes being alive or the way one lives, you should use Ich wohne when you want to focus specifically on your residential address or the act of residing in a particular apartment or city. Use Ich wohne to say "I reside" or "I live (at an address)".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this context, the verb leben is intransitive and does not require a direct object to express the state of being alive.
Did you know?
- German uses the word Lebenslauf to mean a 'resume' or 'CV', which literally translates to 'the course of one's life'.
- The German word for 'life' is the root of the beautiful term Lebenslust, which specifically describes a profound, passionate zest for being alive.
- The phrase Ich lebe noch can be used as a witty or sarcastic way to tell someone 'I am still here' if they have forgotten about you.
Examples in context
- Ich lebe im Haus.I live in the house.This sentence shows how to use Ich lebe to indicate a location.Tatoeba #1463439 by Espi, translation #1224048 by Ketutar
- Ich lebe mit Tom.I live with Tom.This sentence uses Ich lebe to describe living with a person.Tatoeba #6644223 by Felixjp, translation #2261961 by CK
- Ich lebe in Peru.I live in Peru.This sentence demonstrates using Ich lebe with a country.Tatoeba #8377226 by bzvbzy, translation #2721823 by CN
- Ich habe meinen Wohnsitz in HamburgI have my residence in Hamburg
- Ich wohne in der StadtI live in the city
- Ich wohne in einem kleinen Dorf. Es ist sehr ruhig und gemütlich.I live in a small village. It is very peaceful and cozy.
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about survival after a dangerous accident.
- LauraIch lebe noch!I am still alive!
- MaximilianDas ist ein Wunder, Laura.That is a miracle, Laura.
- LauraIch lebe, das ist alles, was zählt.I live, that is all that matters.
- MaximilianIch bin so froh, Maximilian.I am so glad, Maximilian.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
