meine Hobbys sind
The German phrase for "my hobbies are" is meine Hobbys sind.
This phrase is used to introduce a list of activities that a person enjoys doing in their free time. While meine Hobbys sind is grammatically correct, native speakers more frequently express their hobbies using the construction Ich [verb] gerne (e.g., Ich koche gerne).
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the plural form meine Hobbys sind when you are introducing two or more activities. If you are only listing one activity, use the singular form mein Hobby ist.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the English spelling Hobbies, but the German plural is spelled with a y as Hobbys.
Did you know?
- If you use the word Hobby in a formal German context, it can sometimes sound slightly superficial or trivial. For serious or lifelong pursuits, Germans often prefer the term Leidenschaft, which means 'passion'.
- German has a specific word, Freizeitgestaltung, which describes the concept of 'organizing one's free time'. While you can list your hobbies, a German might talk about their Freizeitgestaltung to sound more sophisticated.
- In professional German CVs, it is common to list Interessen (interests) rather than Hobbys, as the latter can sound slightly too casual or juvenile.
Examples in context
- Meine Hobbys sind Kochen und Lesen.My hobbies are cooking and reading.This sentence shows how to list cooking and reading using meine Hobbys sind.Tatoeba #3401795 by Trinkschokolade, translation #5081617 by dax00
- Meine Hobbys sind angeln und fernsehen.My hobbies are fishing and watching television.This sentence shows how to list fishing and watching television using meine Hobbys sind.Tatoeba #8760452 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #19339 by CK
- Meine Hobbys sind Autofahren und Gitarrespielen.My hobbies are driving and playing the guitar.This sentence shows how to list driving and playing the guitar using meine Hobbys sind.Tatoeba #3445975 by Trinkschokolade, translation #8249384 by francaisr0wlet
- Meine Hobbys sind Filme schauen und ReisenMy hobbies are watching movies and traveling
Example conversation
Two acquaintances meet at a social event and talk about their interests.
- MaximilianHallo Laura, was machst du gerne in deiner Freizeit?Hello Laura, what do you like to do in your free time?
- LauraMeine Hobbys sind Yoga und Malen. Und bei dir, Maximilian?My hobbies are yoga and painting. And what about you, Maximilian?
- MaximilianMeine Hobbys sind Laufen und Kochen.My hobbies are running and cooking.
- LauraDas klingt sehr interessant!That sounds very interesting!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
