also
/ˈʔalzoː/
The German word for the English phrase 'so' is also.
also is used to introduce a logical conclusion or a result. It can also function as a conversational filler when placed at the beginning of a sentence to transition to a new topic or start a new thought, much like the English 'so'.
Which one should you use?
Be careful not to confuse also with the English word 'also' (meaning 'too'). In German, if you want to express addition (e.g., 'I also like that'), you should use auch. In German, also specifically means 'so' or 'therefore'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb meaning 'so' or 'therefore', also is indeclinable and does not change its form based on gender, number or case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔalzoː/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use also to mean 'also' or 'too' in the sense of addition. Instead of using also for addition, use auch.
Did you know?
- While also means 'so' or 'therefore', the German word so still exists and is used to describe the manner in which something is done.
- Using also at the start of a sentence can sometimes signal impatience or a desire to wrap up a conversation, depending on the speaker's tone.
- Despite the difference in meaning today, also is a cognate of the English word 'also'. Both words share a common ancestor in the ancient Germanic languages.
Examples in context
- Da bin ich also.So, I'm arrived.This sentence shows how also is used to mark an arrival.Tatoeba #1630814 by Sudajaengi, translation #1507221 by marco87
- Wo wart ihr also?So where were you?This sentence demonstrates a question using also to seek clarification.Tatoeba #2480333 by Zaghawa, translation #1664988 by kerbear407
- Also, wer macht es?So, who'll do it?This sentence shows also used at the start of a sentence to transition into a question.Tatoeba #13705084 by kumakyoo, translation #13705074 by Babelball
- Auf diese Weise können wir die Probleme besser lösen.In this way, we can solve the problems more effectively.
- Also, ich denke, wir sollten ins Kino gehen.So, I think we should go to the movies.
- Ich weiß nicht, ob das so eine gute Idee ist, wenig Schlaf zu bekommen. Na ja…I'm not sure if getting little sleep is such a good idea. Well…
- Das ist so langweilig!That's so boring!
- 397 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- JulianIch habe keine Lust auf Pizza.I don't feel like eating pizza.
- SarahIch auch nicht.Me neither.
- JulianAlso bestellen wir heute Sushi.So we'll order sushi today.
- SarahDas ist eine gute Idee!That is a good idea!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry also, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries also, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
