Guten Tag! If you’re learning German and want to know how to say “that is,” you’ve come to the right place. In German, the phrase “that is” can be translated into different expressions depending on the context, formality, and regional variations. In this guide, we will provide you with tips, examples, and variations of how to express “that is” in German. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “That Is” in German
When you want to express “that is” in a formal setting, such as in business or professional conversations, you may consider using the following phrases:
- Das ist… This is a straightforward and commonly used way to say “that is” in formal contexts. For example: “Das ist mein Auto.” (That is my car.)
- Es handelt sich um… This phrase translates to “It is a matter of…” and is more formal. For example: “Es handelt sich um einen wichtigen Brief.” (It is a matter of an important letter.)
- Hierbei handelt es sich um… This phrase is even more formal and is often used in written communication. It means “In this case, it is about…”. For example: “Hierbei handelt es sich um eine dringende Angelegenheit.” (In this case, it is about an urgent matter.)
Informal Ways to Say “That Is” in German
When you’re in a casual or informal setting, you can use these expressions to translate “that is” in German:
- Das ist… Just like in formal settings, “Das ist…” can also be used in informal situations. For example: “Das ist mein Hund.” (That is my dog.)
- Das bedeutet… This phrase means “That means…” and can be used to express “That is” informally. For example: “Das bedeutet, wir sollten gehen.” (That means we should leave.)
- Das heißt… Similar to “That means…” in English, “Das heißt…” is used to provide additional information or clarification. For example: “Sie war spät dran, das heißt, sie wird später kommen.” (She was running late, that means she will arrive later.)
Regional Variations of “That Is” in German
German is spoken in various regions, and some regional variations can affect how “that is” is expressed. Take a look at these examples:
In Bavaria: “Des is…”
In Austria: “Des is…”
In Switzerland: “Das isch…”
These are colloquial variations primarily used in their respective regions. While they may differ from the standard German, you might encounter them in casual conversations or when visiting these areas.
Tips for Using “That Is” in German
Here are some additional tips to help you use “that is” effectively in German:
- Pay attention to gender and case: German nouns have different genders (masculine, feminine, and neuter) and cases (nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive). Make sure to modify the articles and adjectives accordingly when you use “that is” to match the gender and case of the noun in the sentence.
- Practice pronunciation: Like any language, proper pronunciation is essential. Practice saying “that is” phrases aloud to improve your pronunciation and fluency.
- Expand your vocabulary: While “that is” is a useful phrase, try to expand your German vocabulary to describe things in more depth. This will make your conversations richer and more precise.
- Listen and observe: Keep an ear out for how native speakers use “that is” in various situations. Observe their intonation and usage patterns to enhance your understanding and to sound more natural when speaking German.
Remember, learning a language takes time and practice, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Native speakers will appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language, even if you’re not yet fluent. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be confidently using “that is” in German!
Vielen Dank for reading this comprehensive guide on how to say “that is” in German. We hope it has been helpful on your language learning journey. Alles Gute and viel Erfolg (Good luck and much success) as you continue to improve your German skills!
