Guten Tag! If you’re looking to expand your German vocabulary and learn how to say “still” in different contexts, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to express “still” in both formal and informal German. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Still”
When it comes to expressing “still” formally in German, you have several options. Let’s explore them:
1.1 “Noch”
The most common translation for “still” in formal German is “noch”. It is incredibly versatile and can be used in various contexts. Let’s have a look at a few examples:
- Ich bin noch da. (I am still here.)
- Hast du noch Fragen? (Do you still have questions?)
- Der Zug fährt noch nicht ab. (The train is not leaving yet.)
1.2 “Immer noch”
If you want to emphasize the persistence of something, you can use “immer noch” in formal German. It adds a stronger sense of duration. Here are a few examples:
- Er ist immer noch nicht fertig. (He’s still not finished.)
- Wir warten immer noch auf eine Antwort. (We’re still waiting for an answer.)
- Der Termin steht immer noch nicht fest. (The appointment is still not fixed.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Still”
When speaking with friends, family, or in informal settings, you may opt for more colloquial expressions for “still”. Let’s explore some of them:
2.1 “Immer noch”
Just like in formal German, “immer noch” is commonly used in informal speech as well. However, in informal contexts, you can often omit “immer” and use “noch” alone:
- Ich bin noch da. (I’m still here.)
- Bist du noch verärgert? (Are you still angry?)
- Wir haben noch keine Entscheidung getroffen. (We haven’t made a decision yet.)
2.2 “Noch immer”
In informal German, you can also use “noch immer” to express “still”. It is similar to “immer noch” but slightly less formal:
- Das funktioniert noch immer nicht. (That still doesn’t work.)
- Er ist noch immer nicht da. (He’s still not here.)
- Ich trinke noch immer Kaffee. (I still drink coffee.)
3. Regional Variations on “Still”
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used throughout the German-speaking regions, it’s worth noting that there can be slight regional variations. Here are a couple of examples:
3.1 Southern German Dialects
In southern German dialects, particularly in Bavaria, you may come across the adverb “noch immer” being abbreviated to “no amoi” or “no immer”. It’s an informal way of saying “still” that adds a regional flavor:
I bin no amoi do. (I’m still here.)
Mir miaßn no immer warten. (We still have to wait.)
3.2 Swiss German
In Swiss German, the adverb “immer noch” can be translated as “immer no”. Here are a couple of examples:
Er isch immer no nid cho. (He’s still not here.)
Mir warte immer no uf en Entscheidig. (We’re still waiting for a decision.)
Keep in mind that these regional variations are not necessary to communicate effectively in German. They are mentioned here to offer a deeper understanding of the language’s diversity.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of this guide! You now have a thorough understanding of how to express “still” in both formal and informal German. Remember, in formal contexts, you can rely on “noch” and “immer noch”, while in informal speech, “noch” and “noch immer” are commonly used. Additionally, we explored a few regional variations, such as “no amoi” in southern German dialects and “immer no” in Swiss German.
So, whether you’re having a conversation with a German friend, reading a book, or doing anything else, you’ll now be able to use the appropriate translation for “still” in the given context. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be a master of expressing “still” in German. Viel Erfolg!
