Lügen
/ˈlyːɡən/
The English phrase "lies" is translated into German as Lügen.
Lügen is used to refer to the plural noun for lies. In more formal contexts, you might use Falschaussagen for false statements or the phrase Unwahrheiten sagen to say untruths.
Which one should you use?
Be careful not to confuse the verb for telling a lie, lügen, with the verb liegen, which means to lie down or be situated.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term Lügen is the plural noun for lies. If you are referring to a single lie, use the singular noun Lüge. The infinitive verb meaning "to lie" is lügen, the third person singular present tense is lügt and the noun Lügen refers to the plural.
Did you know?
- Standard German changed the vowel in the verb lügen specifically to prevent people from confusing it with liegen, which means 'to lie down'.
- In some Bavarian dialects, the word for 'to lie' still retains a form closer to the historical roots, such as liagn, which differs from the standard German lügen.
- Because lügen and liegen are so similar, German learners often encounter 'false friend' errors where they accidentally tell someone they are 'lying down' when they mean they are 'untruthful'.
Examples in context
- Er weiß zu lügen.He knows how to tell lies.This sentence shows how someone uses the form Lügen.Tatoeba #1753509 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1752062 by Amastan
- Zu lügen ist unrecht.It is wrong to tell lies.Tatoeba #2151045 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #26650 by CC
- Warum lügen die Leute?Why do people tell lies?Tatoeba #1241515 by Esperantostern, translation #954663 by CK
- Der Zeuge gibt Falschaussagen ab.The witness is making false statements.
- Er hat bei seiner Aussage Unwahrheiten gesagt.He told lies in his statement.
- Warum lügst du mich an?Why are you lying to me?
- Keine Sorge, er schwindelt nur ein bisschen.Don't worry, he's just fibbing a little.
- Er flunkert oft, aber es ist nie wirklich schlimm.He often tells little lies, but it's never really bad.
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are discussing a suspicious story they heard.
- JuliaIch glaube, das sind nur Lügen.I think those are just lies.
- LukasMeinst du wirklich, dass er Lügen verbreitet?Do you really think he is spreading lies?
- JuliaJa, seine ganze Geschichte besteht aus Lügen.Yes, his whole story consists of lies.
- LukasDas ist wirklich sehr enttäuschend.That is really very disappointing.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry lügen.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lügen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
