auch
/aʊ̯x/
The German word for 'too' (in the sense of 'also') is auch.
While English speakers might use 'also' or 'too', German uses auch for both. In German, placement is important: auch is typically placed immediately before the specific element it emphasizes or modifies, rather than always appearing at the end of the sentence as is common in English.
Meaning: (focus) likewise (adv)
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between 'also' and 'too', German uses auch to cover both meanings in most contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, auch is invariable and does not change its form based on gender, number or case.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯x/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to use zu when you mean 'also/too'. In German, zu means 'to' or refers to 'too' in the sense of 'excessively' (e.g., too hot), whereas auch is the correct word for 'also'.
Did you know?
- The German word auch shares an ancestral root with the archaic English word 'eke', as seen in the phrase 'to eke out a living'.
- Depending on where auch is placed in a sentence, it can change the entire meaning of who is being included in an action.
- Despite the complex system of cases and genders in German, auch is an invariable adverb and never changes its form.
Examples in context
- Tom war auch da.Tom was there, too.This sentence shows how to use auch to indicate someone's presence.Tatoeba #1343482 by Zaghawa, translation #5410398 by CK
- Ich mag es auch.I like it, too.This sentence demonstrates using auch to express agreement or shared preference.Tatoeba #6644168 by Felixjp, translation #5851915 by CK
- Ich mag das auch.I like that, too.This sentence shows the use of auch when referring to a specific object.Tatoeba #2384069 by Esperantostern, translation #3735293 by CK
- Ich möchte auch Deutsch lernen.I want to learn German too.
- Er spricht Englisch, aber er spricht auch Französisch.He speaks English, but he also speaks French too.
- Ich stimme ebenfalls zu.I agree too.
- Ich möchte auch ins Kino gehen.I want to go to the cinema too.
- Sie isst gerne Pizza, und ich esse auch gerne Pizza.She likes pizza, and I also like pizza too.
- Ich möchte auch mal nach Australien reisen.I'd like to travel to Australia too.
- 1422 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- MaximilianIch gehe am Samstag ins Kino.I am going to the cinema on Saturday.
- SarahIch gehe auch ins Kino.I am also going to the cinema.
- MaximilianDas ist ja toll!That is great!
- SarahJa, ich freue mich sehr.Yes, I am very excited.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “too” translations and entries auch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
