neben
/ˈneːbən/
The German phrase for "next to" is neben.
neben means beside or alongside. To emphasize a strong sense of proximity, you can use the combination direkt neben.
Meaning: beside, alongside (prep)
How does it change in a sentence?
neben can take either the accusative or dative case depending on whether it describes movement toward a location or a static position. Use the dative case to describe a static position (where something is), such as neben dem Haus (next to the house). Use the accusative case to describe movement into a position (where something is being placed), such as neben das Haus (next to the house).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈneːbən/
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says someone is neben sich stehen, it literally means they are 'standing next to themselves', but it actually means they are in a state of shock or disbelief.
- The German word neben is a distant relative of the English word 'anent', which is an archaic term meaning 'concerning' or 'about'.
- The word nebenbei is used as an adverb to mean 'incidentally' or 'by the way', similar to how an English speaker might say 'on the side'.
Examples in context
- Er saß neben mir.He sat next to me.This sentence is useful for showing the use of neben to describe a person sitting beside someone else.Tatoeba #1079147 by Esperantostern, translation #1077681 by keira_n
- Ich saß neben ihm.I sat next to him.Tatoeba #789352 by al_ex_an_der, translation #505904 by wma
- Tom saß neben mir.Tom was sitting next to me.Tatoeba #6460545 by wolfgangth, translation #3223017 by CK
- Das Büro ist neben dem Konferenzraum.The office is next to the conference room.
- Meine Wohnung ist direkt neben dem Park.My apartment is right next to the park.
- Der Supermarkt ist nebenan.The supermarket is next to/next door.
- Das Café ist gleich neben dem Kino.The café is right next to the cinema.
- 364 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are looking for their table in a restaurant.
- LauraIst der Tisch neben dem Fenster?Is the table next to the window?
- MaximilianNein, er ist neben der Tür.No, it is next to the door.
- LauraOh, ich sehe ihn jetzt!Oh, I see it now!
- MaximilianPerfekt, lass uns gehen.Perfect, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “next to” translations and entries neben, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries neben, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
