sitzen
/ˈzɪtsn̩/
The German word for 'sit' is sitzen.
sitzen is a verb used to describe a person being in a position where the upper body is upright and the legs are supported.
Meaning: of a person, be in a position in which the upper body is upright and the legs are supported (verb)
Which one should you use?
German distinguishes between the state of being seated and the movement of sitting down. sitzen refers to the state (to be sitting), whereas setzen refers to the action (to seat oneself or to put something down).
How does it change in a sentence?
The simple past form of sitzen is saß.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɪtsn̩/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use sitzen to describe the action of sitting down. Instead, use sich setzen to describe the movement of moving into a seat and reserve sitzen for when you are already in the seated state.
Did you know?
- In German, sitzen is used to describe how clothes fit. If a dress 'sits' well, it means it fits the person's body perfectly.
- The phrase fest sitzen means to be stuck or jammed. You can use it to describe a ring that will not come off a finger or a screw that is frozen in place.
- The phrase auf dem Posten sitzen describes someone who is staying alert or guarding a specific position, even if they are not literally sitting.
Examples in context
- Wo soll ich sitzen?Where am I supposed to sit?This sentence shows how to ask for a place to sit using sitzen.Tatoeba #8497914 by Luiaard, translation #3223015 by CK
- Kann ich hier sitzen?May I sit here?This sentence uses sitzen to ask for permission to sit.Tatoeba #804487 by Esperantostern, translation #61514 by CK
- Wir sitzen nie vorne.We never sit in the front.This sentence uses sitzen to describe a habitual position.Tatoeba #9847345 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9845435 by CK
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are in a park and want to rest.
- JulianWir können hier auf der Bank sitzen.We can sit here on the bench.
- LauraJa, das ist ein guter Platz.Yes, that is a good spot.
- JulianMöchtest du, dass ich neben dir sitze?Do you want me to sit next to you?
- LauraGerne, Julian.I'd love to, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sit” translations and entries sitzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
