How to Say "Is" in German - How To Say Guide

ist

The English word "is" is translated to German as ist.

ist is used as the third person singular present form of the verb "to be", corresponding to "is" in English.

Which one should you use?

While ist is the standard form, the plural form of this verb is sind, which corresponds to "are" in English.

In Austrian German, is is often used in place of ist. In Swiss German, the word isch is used for "is".

German uses ist to express the present perfect of verbs of motion, such as 'he is gone', whereas English would typically use 'has gone'.
In German, you can use ist to describe a person's nationality, but unlike English, you do not use the word 'a' before the profession or nationality. Instead of saying 'he is a doctor', you say 'er ist Arzt'.
While ist means 'is', the German phrase Das ist is often used as a filler or a way to introduce a topic, similar to how English speakers might say 'The thing is'.

Er ist ein DJ.
He is a DJ.
This sentence demonstrates how to use ist to identify someone's profession.
Tatoeba #1313728 by al_ex_an_der, translation #288669 by CK
So ist er eben.
That's the way he is.
This sentence shows an idiomatic use of ist to describe someone's character.
Tatoeba #631516 by Dejo, translation #286916 by CK
Er ist Li Ying.
He is Li Ying.
This sentence illustrates using ist to identify a person by name.
Tatoeba #714628 by Esperantostern, translation #380193 by kellenparker
Ihr Vater ist in einer Besprechung.
Your father is in a meeting.
Das Auto ist neu.
The car is new.
Das Buch ist interessant.
The book is interesting.
Er ist ein guter Freund.
He is a good friend.
Das Essen ist lecker.
The food is delicious.
Sie ist glücklich.
She is happy.
13637 more sentences on Tatoeba

Julia and Maximilian are looking for a restaurant.

Sources

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