sprechend
In German, 'speaking' is translated as sprechend.
The word sprechend refers to the act of communicating vocally. It is typically used as a present participle functioning as an adjective to describe a person or thing performing the action of speaking.
Meaning: the act of communicating vocally (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern Germany, the term Schnacken is commonly used for informal conversation and is often interchangeable with terms like plaudern or quatschen.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, sprechend changes its ending based on the noun it describes. For example, it becomes sprechenden when used before a masculine noun in the accusative case and it becomes sprechendes when used before a neuter noun in the nominative case.
When do people say it?
For informal situations, such as conversations among friends, you might use the terms Quatschen for general informal conversation or Plaudern to refer specifically to friendly chatting or small talk.
Did you know?
- In German, the phrase mit jemandem sprechen can be used as a polite euphemism for a serious reprimand or a 'stern talking to'.
- While sprechend is the technical participle, if you want to describe a person who is 'constantly talking', Germans might use the word geschwätzig, which carries a much more negative connotation of being 'gossipy'.
- In German, the word for 'speaking' or 'talking' can be reden, but if you use the word quatschen, you are implying the conversation is silly, aimless, or perhaps even nonsense.
Examples in context
- Der Englisch sprechende Junge da ist größer als ich.That boy who is speaking English is taller than I.This sentence shows how to use sprechend to describe a boy speaking English.Tatoeba #1992793 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #26198 by ToxicFriu
- Ich bin ein Walisisch sprechender Schauspieler an einem Theater.I am a Welsh-speaking actor in a theatre.This sentence demonstrates using sprechend to describe an actor who speaks Welsh.Tatoeba #12539404 by Naina, translation #7255166 by azraelgnosis
- Ich habe viele Esperanto sprechende Freunde.I have many Esperanto-speaking friends.This sentence shows how to use sprechend to describe friends who speak Esperanto.Tatoeba #3434523 by DeMartinNe, translation #1580264 by sam_m
- Entschuldigen Sie, sprechen Sie Deutsch?Excuse me, do you speak German?
- Können Sie während der Konferenz sprechen?Can you speak during the conference?
- Sie können Ihre Meinung zu diesem Thema äußern.You can express your opinion on this matter.
- Versuchen Sie, Ihre Ideen klar und präzise zu artikulieren.Try to articulate your ideas clearly and precisely.
- Er labert die ganze Zeit.He's talking nonstop.
- Lass uns später quatschen.Let's talk later.
- Sie plauderten über die neuesten Nachrichten.They chatted about the latest news.
- Komm, lass uns schnacken.Come on, let's chat.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are looking for a language partner at a café.
- LukasKennst du jemanden, der Japanisch sprechend ist?Do you know anyone who is Japanese speaking?
- SarahJa, meine Kollegin spricht sehr gut Japanisch.Yes, my colleague speaks Japanese very well.
- LukasIst sie auch ein englisch sprechendes Mitglied im Club?Is she also an English speaking member of the club?
- SarahJa, sie spricht beide Sprachen fließend.Yes, she speaks both languages fluently.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sprechend, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
