neu
/nɔʏ̯/
The English word 'new' is translated into German as neu. Wiktionary also lists nei and nöi.
Meaning: recently made or created (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| neu | /nɔʏ̯/ | |
| nei | ||
| nöi | Alemannic German | |
| nai | Palatine, Rhine Franconian |
The word is an adjective used to describe something that has been recently made or created.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Alemannic German dialects, such as those found in parts of Switzerland or Southwestern Germany, you may hear nöi. In Palatine (Rhine-Franconian) dialects, the form nai is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, neu changes its ending depending on the gender of the noun it precedes in the nominative case: use neue for feminine nouns, neuer for masculine nouns and neues for neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔʏ̯/
Did you know?
- In German, the word neu can describe a person who is new to a job or group, but if you call someone neu in a social context, it can sometimes imply they are naive or inexperienced.
- The phrase neu auflegen means to reissue a book or a record, but auflegen on its own means to hang up a telephone.
- The English word 'new' and the German 'neu' are cousins, both descending from the same Proto-Indo-European root '*néwos'.
Examples in context
- Es ist wie neu.It's like new.This sentence shows how to use neu to describe the condition of an object.Tatoeba #13381659 by canan, translation #13548933 by araneo
- Das ist mir neu.This is new to me.This sentence demonstrates using neu to indicate new information.Tatoeba #626794 by BraveSentry, translation #3733040 by CK
- Es ist sehr neu.It's very new.This sentence illustrates how to use neu with an intensifier.Tatoeba #6645026 by Felixjp, translation #3822075 by CK
- Ich habe ein neues Auto gekauft.I bought a new car.
- Der Computer ist brandneu.The computer is brand new.
- Schau mal, ich habe mir ein neues Handy gekauft!Look, I bought myself a new phone!
- Das ist mein nagelneuer Rucksack!This is my brand new backpack!
- Ist das nicht ein flammneues Spielzeug?Isn't this a super new toy?
- 3550 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are talking about a phone.
- JulianIst das ein neues Handy?Is that a new phone?
- JuliaJa, es ist ganz neu.Yes, it is brand new.
- JulianDie Kamera sieht echt gut aus.The camera looks really good.
- JuliaDanke, ich liebe mein neues Handy.Thanks, I love my new phone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “new” translations and entries neu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries neu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
