ich bin
The German phrase ich bin means.
ich bin is a first-person singular statement used to identify yourself or describe your current state, meaning.
What does it mean word for word?
ich bin is composed of the first-person singular pronoun ich (I) and the first-person singular present tense of the verb sein (to be), which is bin (am).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Bavaria, people might say I bin instead of ich bin. In Switzerland, the Swiss dialect changes ich bin to Ig bin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb bin is the specific conjugation of sein used only with the subject ich.
Did you know?
- The German phrase ich bin is used for both permanent identities and temporary states, but for certain feelings like hunger or thirst, Germans say ich habe Hunger which literally means 'I have hunger'.
- In some German contexts, ich bin can be used to describe a professional role without adding an article, such as ich bin Lehrer meaning 'I am a teacher'.
- The word bin is actually a hybrid that contains traces of two different ancient linguistic ancestors for the verb 'to be'.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, ich bin Herr Schmidt.Excuse me, I am Mr. Schmidt.
- Ich bin hier, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren.I am here to make an appointment.
- Können Sie mir sagen, wo ich bin?Can you tell me where I am?
- Hey Lisa, ich bin Tim!Hey Lisa, I am Tim!
- Wir haben es geschafft! Ich bin so glücklich.We did it! I am so happy.
- Ich bin müde.I am tired.
- Ich bin Lehrer.I am a teacher.
- Ich bin Student.I am a student.
- Ich bin sehr müde.I am very tired.
- Ich bin heute glücklich.I am happy today.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix meet at a cafe.
- HannahHallo, ich bin Hannah.Hello, I am Hannah.
- FelixFreut mich, ich bin Felix.Nice to meet you, I am Felix.
- HannahBist du auch neu hier?Are you also new here?
- FelixJa, ich bin erst seit gestern da.Yes, I have only been here since yesterday.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bin, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
