sicher
/ˈzɪçər/
The German word for sure is sicher.
sicher is used as an adjective to describe being certain in one's knowledge or belief. Depending on the context, it can also mean 'safe' or 'secure' regarding a physical state. As an interjection, it is often used as a short response to a question or a request to mean 'of course'.
Meaning: certain in one's knowledge or belief (adj)
Which one should you use?
While sicher is the standard term, you may encounter sicherlich to express 'surely' or 'certainly' in a more formal manner. In some contexts, sicher can be distinguished by whether you are describing a mental state of certainty or a physical state of being safe.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adverb to mean 'surely' or 'certainly', the adjective sicher does not change its form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzɪçər/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to say 'I am sure' in German, avoid translating the English structure directly. Instead, you must use the reflexive construction Ich bin mir sicher.
Did you know?
- The German word sicher descends from the Latin sēcūrus, which literally meant 'without care' or 'carefree'.
- In a legal context, sicherstellen uses the root of sicher to mean 'to seize' or 'to confiscate' evidence.
- The expression Sicher ist sicher is a popular German tautology that means 'better safe than sorry'.
Examples in context
- So viel ist sicher.That's for sure.This example shows how to say 'That's for sure' using sicher.Tatoeba #2660747 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2660740 by al_ex_an_der
- Ich bin mir sicher!I'm sure!This example demonstrates the correct reflexive construction for 'I'm sure!' using sicher.Tatoeba #8804140 by wolfgangth, translation #8196313 by josivangoncalves
- Du bist sicher müde.I'm sure you're sleepy.This example shows how to use sicher to express a certainty about someone's state, such as being tired.Tatoeba #5449330 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3820773 by CK
- Natürlich, ich hätte gerne Informationen zu Ihrem Produkt.Sure, I would like information about your product.
- Klar, das hört sich gut an!Sure, that sounds great!
- 1815 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are discussing whether the museum is open today.
- JuliaBist du dir sicher, dass das Museum heute offen ist?Are you sure that the museum is open today?
- JulianJa, ich bin mir ganz sicher.Yes, I am quite sure.
- JuliaDann gehen wir jetzt los.Then let's go now.
- JulianAlles klar, auf geht's!All right, let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sure” translations and entries sicher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sicher, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
