Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| still | /ʃtɪl/ |
| bewegungslos | /bəˈveːɡʊŋsˌloːs/ |
| ruhig | /ˈʁuː.ɪç/ /ʁʊɪ̯ç/ |
The adjective still is used to describe a state of being calm or motionless. Related nouns include Stille, which refers to a period of silence or stillness and Ruhe, which refers to a period of calm.
Which one should you use?
While still can mean calm, bewegungslos specifically emphasizes a lack of physical movement (motionless). In contrast, ruhig is used to describe a quiet environment or a person's temperament, whereas still often implies a complete absence of sound or motion.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, the adverb 'still' (in the sense of 'yet' or 'nevertheless') can be translated using the phrase immer no.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a state of silence or stillness, the adjective still can be used as the feminine noun die Stille.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtɪl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the German adjective still (quiet/motionless) with the English adverb 'still' meaning 'yet' or 'nevertheless'. In German, 'yet' is translated as noch.
Did you know?
- While still means quiet, the German word for 'still water' stilles Wasser specifically refers to non-carbonated water.
- The adjective still can be used to describe a 'secret' or 'hidden' action, such as still und heimlich, meaning 'on the sly'.
- In German, the word still can be used to describe a 'quiet' child, but it often implies the child is shy or withdrawn rather than just being silent.
Examples in context
- Sei still und iss!Sit still and eat!This sentence is useful for commanding someone to be quiet while eating using still.Tatoeba #7840521 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10515759 by DJ_Saidez
- Die Zeit steht still.Time stands still.This sentence illustrates the metaphorical use of still regarding time.Tatoeba #13865528 by Waldelfe, translation #11791042 by taro
- Halten Sie ganz still!Stay absolutely still.This sentence shows how to use still to request someone to remain motionless.Tatoeba #1848893 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1839432 by CK
- 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.
- 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.
- Bist du noch verärgert?Are you still angry?
- Wir haben noch keine Entscheidung getroffen.We haven't made a decision yet.
- 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.
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are watching a bird in the garden.
- LauraSchau mal, der Vogel ist ganz still.Look, the bird is completely still.
- FelixIch glaube, er schläft.I think he is sleeping.
- LauraBleib bitte auch ganz still, Felix.Please stay completely still too, Felix.
- FelixIch bewege mich nicht.I am not moving.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “still” translations and entries still, bewegungslos, ruhig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
