Verb Sein (to be)
Explicação
In German, the simplest verb is also one of the most important. Without "sein" you can't introduce yourself, say where something is, describe how you feel, or talk about your profession. It's the first verb every student learns — and the first one every beginner conjugates wrong.
Conjugation of "sein" (to be)
Rule: "sein" is completely irregular — every form is different and must be memorized as a block.
| Pronoun | sein (Present) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ich | bin | Ich bin Lehrerin. |
| du | bist | Du bist müde, oder? |
| er/sie/es | ist | Er ist Arzt. |
| wir | sind | Wir sind aus Brasilien. |
| ihr | seid | Ihr seid spät dran! |
| sie/Sie | sind | Sie sind sehr freundlich. |
"Ich bin Krankenpfleger — aber im Herzen bin ich Musiker."
(I'm a nurse — but at heart I'm a musician.) Jonas said this at every Christmas party, hoping someone would ask about the band.
"Das Wetter ist schön, aber ich muss leider arbeiten."
(The weather is lovely, but unfortunately I have to work.) — The most recited sentence on German summer afternoons.
"Wir sind aus Brasilien — und ja, es ist wirklich so heiß wie ihr denkt."
(We're from Brazil — and yes, it really is as hot as you think.) — Every Brazilian's automatic reply in Germany.
⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES
❌ "Ich ist Student." / "Er bin müde."
✓ "Ich bin Student." / "Er ist müde."
"sein" is totally irregular. Don't apply the pattern of other verbs. Each form must be memorized individually.
❌ Looking for "sein" equivalent to "ser" vs "estar" distinction
✓ "sein" covers both "to be (permanent)" and "to be (temporary)"
German doesn't distinguish between "ser" and "estar." "Sein" does both jobs: "Ich bin müde" (I'm tired) and "Ich bin Arzt" (I'm a doctor) use the same verb.
🧠 REMEMBER: bin-bist-ist-sind-seid-sind — learn this sequence like a song. Note that "wir sind" and "sie/Sie sind" are identical. And "sein" covers both "to be (ser)" and "to be (estar)" — in German, they're one.
Exemplos
Ich bin Student.
I am a student.
Du bist müde.
You are tired.
Er ist Arzt.
He is a doctor.
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