sein
Meaning and Usage
- sein = his / its / be
Common Usage:
- "Sein Auto ist rot." = "His car is red."
- "Das ist sein Buch." = "That is his book."
Linguistic Analysis
"Sein" can function as a possessive pronoun to indicate ownership by a masculine singular noun, or as a verb meaning "to be." Its origin can be traced back to Middle High German and Old High German.
Comparisons between German and English
The word "sein" translates to "his," "its," or "be" in English, serving as both a possessive pronoun and the infinitive form of the verb "to be."
Cultural Context
The use of "sein" is fundamental for expressing possession or identity in German, making it an essential part of daily conversation.
Example Sentences
- "Sein Haus ist groß." = "His house is big."
- "Das ist sein Problem." = "That is his problem."
Memory Tips
Associate "sein" with the English words "his" and "be" to remember its dual meaning and usage.
Additional Vocabulary
Related words: ihr (her), dein (your - informal), unser (our), euer (your - plural)