Englisch sprechen
/ˈɛŋlɪʃ ˈʃprɛçən/word by word
To speak English in German is Englisch sprechen.
This phrase is used to describe the act of using the English language for communication.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Englisch sprechen, the word Englisch functions as a noun representing the language, but it is often used without an article. The verb sprechen must be conjugated to spricht when used with the third-person singular (he/she/it), such as in spricht Englisch. If you are giving a command to one person informally, use the imperative form Sprich Englisch!
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛŋlɪʃ ˈʃprɛçən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly lowercase the name of the language in German. However, Englisch should be capitalized when used as a noun.
Did you know?
- The word Englisch can be traced back to the term for 'angel', as the people from the land of the Angles were once known as 'angels'.
- While Englisch sprechen refers to the ability to communicate, Germans often use the phrase Englisch können (to be able to English) to ask if someone knows the language.
- German learners often confuse sprechen with reden, but while both mean 'to speak', sprechen is used for languages while reden is used for chatting or talking.
Examples in context
- Kann er Englisch sprechen?Can he speak English?This sentence is useful for asking if a third-person singular subject can use the phrase Englisch sprechen.Tatoeba #1344051 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #294045 by CK
- Er muss Englisch sprechen.He has to speak English.This sentence is useful for expressing a necessity to use the phrase Englisch sprechen.Tatoeba #2994824 by pne, translation #294041 by CN
- Du musst Englisch sprechen.You have to speak English.Tatoeba #843695 by jakov, translation #69640 by mamat
- Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Englisch?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Entschuldigen Sie, können Sie Englisch?Excuse me, can you speak English?
- Hey, sprichst du Englisch?Hey, do you speak English?
- Ey, kannst du Englisch?Hey, can you speak English?
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing a job interview.
- LauraKannst du gut Englisch sprechen?Can you speak English well?
- FelixJa, ich kann fließend Englisch sprechen.Yes, I can speak English fluently.
- LauraDas ist wichtig für deinen neuen Job.That is important for your new job.
- FelixIch werde mein Bestes geben.I will do my best.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Englisch, sprechen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries englisch, sprechen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
