lügen
/ˈlyːɡən/
The English verb "lie" can be translated into German as lügen. Wiktionary also lists täuschen.
Meaning: tell an intentional untruth (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| lügen | /ˈlyːɡən/ |
| täuschen | /ˈtɔɪ̯ʃən/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of telling an intentional untruth. Related to this is the noun Lüge, which refers to an intentionally false statement.
Which one should you use?
While lügen refers specifically to the act of telling an untruth, täuschen is used for the broader concept of deceiving or misleading someone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the perfect tense, use the past participle gelogen. For example, Ich habe gelogen means "I have lied".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlyːɡən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse lügen (to tell an untruth) with liegen (to be in a horizontal position). Ensure you use the ü sound for the verb meaning to lie.
Did you know?
- The verb täuschen is a linguistic relative of tauschen, which means 'to trade' or 'to exchange'.
- While lügen describes the verbal act, Germans use täuschen to describe misleading someone even if no words are ever spoken.
Examples in context
- Er scheint zu lügen.It seems that he is telling a lie.This sentence is useful for describing someone who appears to be telling a lie using lügen.Tatoeba #1042161 by Sudajaengi, translation #289347 by Eldad
- Du musst nicht lügen.You don't have to lie.This sentence is useful for stating that one does not need to use lügen.Tatoeba #3316354 by pne, translation #2283653 by CK
- Ich will nicht lügen.I don't want to lie.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire not to use lügen.Tatoeba #7798671 by driini, translation #3823046 by CK
- Ich kann nicht glauben, dass er so oft lügt.I can't believe he lies so often.
- Politiker sollten keine Lügen verbreiten.Politicians should not spread lies.
- Seine Aussage ist eine klare Unwahrheit.His statement is a clear lie.
- Er lügt oft, um sich herauszureden.He often lies to get out of trouble.
- Sag mir nicht, dass du gelogen hast.Don't tell me you lied.
- Ich denke, du solltest aufhören zu schwindeln.I think you should stop lying.
- 143 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are arguing about a broken vase.
- JulianHast du die Vase kaputt gemacht?Did you break the vase?
- JuliaNein, das war ich nicht.No, it wasn't me.
- JulianBitte lügen Sie nicht, Julia.Please do not lie, Julia.
- JuliaIch sage die Wahrheit!I am telling the truth!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lie” translations and entries lügen, täuschen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lügen, täuschen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
