einfach
/ˈʔaɪ̯nfax/
The English phrase 'just' can be translated into German as einfach.
einfach is used to emphasize that something is simple or easy to do.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between einfach and nur. While einfach is used to emphasize that an action is easy or to add emphasis to a command, nur is used when 'just' means 'only', such as in the sentence 'I have just one euro'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔaɪ̯nfax/
Did you know?
- If you describe a person as einfach in a casual setting, you might actually be calling them 'simple-minded' rather than 'easy-going'.
- The word einfach can also mean 'single' when describing a ticket, such as an einfache Fahrt for a one-way trip.
- The word einfach is built from the root for 'one' and the suffix '-fach', which refers to 'folds' or 'layers'.
Examples in context
- Er ist einfach so.That's just the way he is.Tatoeba #2217678 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2217676 by Hybrid
- Wirf es einfach weg.Just throw it away.Tatoeba #7354626 by Yorwba, translation #1860660 by CK
- Bitte tu es einfach!Just please do it.Tatoeba #7728786 by wolfgangth, translation #4498072 by CK
- Es tut mir leid, ich bin gerade beschäftigt.I'm sorry, I'm just busy.
- Wir sind nur noch wenige Minuten entfernt.We are just a few minutes away.
- Können Sie mir nur kurz behilflich sein?Can you just help me for a moment?
- Warum gehst du nicht einfach zur Party?Why don't you just go to the party?
- Sag es mir einfach!Just tell me!
- Das ist einfach großartig!That's just great!
- Komm halt einfach vorbei!Just come by, alright?
- Es ist halt so.It's just like that.
- Das ist eben so.That's just the way it is.
- Geh halt eben ins Kino!Just go to the cinema, alright?
- 1867 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is asking Laura for help with a computer problem.
- MaximilianKannst du mir bei diesem Programm helfen?Can you help me with this program?
- LauraKlar, klicke einfach auf den roten Knopf.Sure, just click on the red button.
- MaximilianIst das wirklich alles?Is that really all?
- LauraJa, es ist eigentlich ganz einfach.Yes, it is actually quite simple.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry einfach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries einfach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
