so
/zoː/
The English phrase "like this" is translated into German as so.
so is used to describe the manner or way in which something is done. It is specifically used to refer back to a manner or action that has just been demonstrated or described.
Which one should you use?
In the context of manner, so is the standard way to express "like this" or "in this way". Note that while so can also mean "so" in the sense of "so much", it is the correct choice for describing how something is performed.
How do you pronounce it?
/zoː/
Did you know?
- In German, the word so can be used as a standalone exclamation to signal that a task is finished or that it is time to start something new, similar to saying 'Right!' or 'There we go!' in English.
- The phrase so ist das is a common German idiom meaning 'that is just how it is', used to express a sense of resignation or acceptance of an unchangeable situation.
- The German word so is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'so', as both descend from the same Proto-Germanic root *swa.
Examples in context
- Ist er immer so?Is he always like this?This sentence is useful for asking about a person's consistent behavior using so.Tatoeba #4054991 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4054971 by Hybrid
- Ißt du immer so?Do you always eat like this?This sentence is useful for asking about a consistent manner of eating using so.Tatoeba #12641268 by Waldelfe, translation #9865435 by CK
- Wer tut so etwas?Who does a thing like this?This sentence is useful for asking who performs a specific type of action using so.Tatoeba #1706466 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11948937 by sundown
- Auf diese Weise können wir das Problem effizient lösen.In this way, we can solve the problem efficiently.
- Bitte halten Sie sich an die Anweisungen und arbeiten Sie auf diese Weise.Please follow the instructions and work like this.
- Ich habe das Essen so gekocht.I cooked the food like this.
- Beim Skaten muss man sehen, wo man hinwill, genau wie beim Surfen.When skating, you have to see where you want to go, just like in surfing.
- Dieses Buch ist etwa so dick wie das andere.This book is about as thick as the other one.
- 370 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is showing Julian how to fold a piece of paper.
- JuliaDu musst das Papier so falten.You have to fold the paper like this.
- JulianMachst du es wirklich so?Are you really doing it like this?
- JuliaJa, Julian, genau so.Yes, Julian, exactly like this.
- JulianAlles klar, ich probiere es.All right, I will try it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry so, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries so, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
