du bist schwul
To say "you're gay" in German, you say du bist schwul.
The phrase is used as a statement to tell a man that he is attracted to other men.
Which one should you use?
The term schwul is used specifically for men. If you are referring to a woman, you would use the term lesbisch.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, one says Du bisch schwul.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase du bist schwul uses the singular informal 'du' and the verb 'bist', which is used when speaking to one person you know well. If you address a group of people informally, the phrase changes to ihr seid schwul. If you were to use the formal 'Sie' to address someone, the phrase would change to Sie sind schwul.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Du bist schwul.You're gay.This sentence is a simple statement of the phrase.Tatoeba #13059805 by Vortarulo, translation #1764718 by shekitten
- „Ach, du bist schwul? Kennst du den Tom Hansen?“ – „Wir kennen uns zwar nicht alle untereinander, aber ja.“"Oh, you're gay? Do you know Tom Jackson?" "We don't all know each other, you know. But yes."This sentence shows the phrase used in a conversational context.Tatoeba #10658946 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10658940 by shekitten
- Sie sind homosexuell.You are homosexual
- Ihre sexuelle Orientierung ist homosexuell.Your sexual orientation is gay.
- Du bist schwul, oder?You're gay, aren't you?
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are talking about his dating life.
- SarahDu hast doch keinen Freund, oder?You don't have a boyfriend, do you?
- MaximilianNein, ich habe keinen.No, I don't.
- SarahDu bist schwul, Maximilian.You're gay, Maximilian.
- MaximilianJa, das stimmt.Yes, that's true.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, schwul, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
