fleißig lernen
/ˈflaɪ̯sɪç ˈlɛrnən/word by word
To study hard in German is to fleißig lernen.
The phrase is used when someone puts a lot of effort and time into learning a subject.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb fleißig (diligently or industriously) and the verb lernen (to learn or study).
Which one should you use?
While fleißig lernen is used for general studying or learning a subject, the German verb studieren is used specifically to mean being enrolled in a degree program at a university.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase in perfect tenses, such as to say you have studied hard, use the past participle form fleißig gelernt, for example in Ich habe fleißig gelernt.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈflaɪ̯sɪç ˈlɛrnən/
Did you know?
- Using fleißig can sometimes be used ironically among university students to describe the act of cramming at the last minute.
- In many German school contexts, being described as fleißig is one of the highest compliments a student can receive from a teacher.
- The verb lernen is closely related to lehren, meaning 'to teach', reflecting a linguistic connection between the act of acquiring knowledge and the act of imparting it.
Examples in context
- Ich muss fleißig lernen.I must study hard.This sentence shows how to express a personal necessity to study hard.Tatoeba #2801029 by freddy1, translation #13347839 by mollydot
- Jedenfalls mußt du fleißig lernen.In any case, you have to study hard.This sentence shows how to tell someone they must study hard in any case.Tatoeba #12487986 by Waldelfe, translation #37668 by mailohilohi
- Ich bin müde, doch ich will fleißig lernen.I'm tired, but I'll study hard.This sentence shows how to express the intention to study hard despite being tired.Tatoeba #1922439 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1457035 by CM
- Du musst dich mehr auf dein Studium konzentrieren. Studiere fleißiger, damit du gute Ergebnisse erzielen kannst. Gib nicht auf und bleib am Ball!You need to focus more on your studies. Study harder so that you can achieve good results. Don't give up and stay committed!
- Lern richtig fleißig, um dein volles Potenzial auszuschöpfen. Gib in der Schule immer dein Bestes, um deine Zukunft zu sichern.Study really hard to reach your full potential. Always give your best at school to secure your future.
- Arbeite hart an deinem Studium und zeig Einsatz in deiner Lernarbeit. Wenn du dich wirklich konzentrierst, kannst du deine Ziele erreichen.Work hard on your studies and show dedication in your study work. If you truly focus, you can achieve your goals.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are talking about their upcoming exams.
- HannahWirst du für die Prüfung fleißig lernen?Will you study hard for the exam?
- FelixJa, ich möchte eine gute Note bekommen.Yes, I want to get a good grade.
- HannahDas ist gut, denn der Test ist schwer.That is good, because the test is difficult.
- FelixIch werde deshalb jeden Tag fleißig lernen.Therefore, I will study hard every day.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (fleißig, lernen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
