unter
/ˈʊntɐ/
The German word for 'under' is unter.
unter is the most common and general translation for 'under'. It can be used to describe physical locations, such as something being at a lower level than another object, as well as abstract concepts. For example, you can use it to say someone is unter Druck (under pressure) or unter Beobachtung (under observation).
Meaning: at a lower level than (prep)
Which one should you use?
While unter is used for both physical and abstract meanings, if you specifically want to express the sense of 'below' or 'under' in certain contexts, you might use unterhalb.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austrian dialects, the informal word drunt is used as a variation of unten and can also mean 'under'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a preposition, unter takes either the accusative or dative case. The choice depends on whether the phrase describes movement toward a position or a static position.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʊntɐ/
Did you know?
- In German, the phrase unter vier Augen literally means 'under four eyes' but is used to mean 'in private' or 'between two people'.
- The phrase unter Tage is used specifically in mining to mean 'below the surface of the earth', rather than the general word for 'under'.
- The word unter can function as a prefix in verbs, such as untergehen, which describes both a ship sinking and the sun setting.
Examples in context
- Ich war unter Druck.I was under pressure.This sentence shows how to use unter with the concept of pressure.Tatoeba #4781495 by Tamy, translation #12198154 by Miktsoanit
- Sie stehen unter Eid.You are under oath.This sentence illustrates the use of unter in the context of being under oath.Tatoeba #2247238 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2247202 by CK
- Tom ist unter dreißig.Tom is under thirty.This sentence demonstrates using unter to indicate a quantity or age below a certain number.Tatoeba #10350295 by Vortarulo, translation #9246610 by CK
- Der Apfel liegt unter dem Tisch.The apple is under the table.
- Die Katze schlief unterhalb des Bettes.The cat was sleeping under the bed.
- Leg die Tasche einfach drunter.Just put the bag under there.
- Schau mal unter'm Tisch nach.Look under the table.
- 837 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are looking for a lost ring in a park.
- JulianLiegt der Ring unter dem Blatt?Is the ring under the leaf?
- LauraNein, er liegt unter der Bank.No, it is under the bench.
- JulianIch sehe ihn unter der Bank nicht.I don't see it under the bench.
- LauraSchau mal dort unter den Busch!Look there, under the bush!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “under” translations and entries unter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
