In 15 Seconds
- Used when actively looking for facts or details about something.
- Always requires a reflexive pronoun like 'mich', 'dich', or 'sich'.
- Pairs with 'über' to specify the topic you are researching.
Meaning
It means to actively gather facts or details about a topic so you aren't left in the dark. It is like doing your homework before making a decision or starting a conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a new gadget
Ich muss mich erst über das neue Handy informieren.
I need to inform myself about the new phone first.
Planning a vacation
Wir informieren uns über die besten Hotels in Wien.
We are finding out about the best hotels in Vienna.
Preparing for a business meeting
Haben Sie sich über die neuen Verkaufszahlen informiert?
Have you informed yourself about the new sales figures?
Cultural Background
The 'Holschuld' concept: In Germany, it is often your responsibility to go and get information. If you don't know something, people assume you didn't 'inform yourself' enough. Swiss people value precision. When they say they will 'sich informieren', they usually mean they will read every single detail available. In Austria, 'sich erkundigen' is often used as a slightly softer, more polite alternative to 'sich informieren' in social settings. The rise of 'Verbraucherzentralen' (consumer advice centers) means Germans are very likely to 'sich informieren' via official, neutral third-party sites before buying.
The 'Google' Rule
If you can 'Google' it, you can 'sich informieren' about it.
Don't forget the 'sich'!
If you say 'Ich informiere über...', Germans will wait for you to say WHO you are informing.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when actively looking for facts or details about something.
- Always requires a reflexive pronoun like 'mich', 'dich', or 'sich'.
- Pairs with 'über' to specify the topic you are researching.
What It Means
Think of sich informieren as being your own personal detective. It is not just about 'knowing' something by accident. It is about the active process of looking for answers. You might read a brochure, check a website, or ask an expert. You are taking charge of your own knowledge. It is a very common and useful phrase in daily German life.
How To Use It
This is a reflexive verb, which sounds fancy but just means you need a 'self' word. You say Ich informiere mich (I inform myself). If you want to say what you are looking into, use the word über followed by the topic. For example, Ich informiere mich über den Zug. It is simple, logical, and very flexible. Just remember to change the reflexive pronoun to match the person talking.
When To Use It
Use this when you are in 'research mode.' Are you buying a new laptop? You are sich informieren. Are you planning a trip to Berlin? You are sich informieren. It works perfectly at work when you need to gather data for a meeting. It also works with friends when you are trying to find the best pizza place in town. It shows you are being responsible and thorough.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for casual gossip or hearing a rumor. If you just 'heard' that it might rain, that is not sich informieren. Also, do not use it if you are the one giving the information to someone else. If you tell your boss the news, you are just informieren (without the sich). It is only for when you are the one getting smarter.
Cultural Background
Germans generally value being well-prepared and 'gründlich' (thorough). Showing up to a meeting or a store without having 'informed yourself' can sometimes be seen as a bit lazy. There is even a concept called 'Informationspflicht,' which is the duty to stay informed. Being 'informiert' is considered a sign of a responsible citizen and a smart consumer. It is part of the 'plan everything' culture.
Common Variations
If you want to sound a bit more casual, you can say sich schlau machen. This literally means 'to make oneself clever.' It is great for talking to friends about small things. If you are at a hotel or a train station and want to ask for specific details, you might use sich erkundigen. That one is a bit more formal and specific to asking questions. But sich informieren is the reliable middle ground.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and highly versatile. The biggest pitfall for English speakers is forgetting the reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, etc.), which is mandatory in German.
The 'Google' Rule
If you can 'Google' it, you can 'sich informieren' about it.
Don't forget the 'sich'!
If you say 'Ich informiere über...', Germans will wait for you to say WHO you are informing.
Be prepared
In German meetings, saying 'Ich habe mich noch nicht informiert' is a quick way to lose respect. Always do a 5-minute check first.
Examples
6Ich muss mich erst über das neue Handy informieren.
I need to inform myself about the new phone first.
A classic use for comparing products before buying.
Wir informieren uns über die besten Hotels in Wien.
We are finding out about the best hotels in Vienna.
Shows active research during the planning phase.
Haben Sie sich über die neuen Verkaufszahlen informiert?
Have you informed yourself about the new sales figures?
Professional and direct, expecting the colleague to be prepared.
Ich informiere mich mal, wann die Party anfängt.
I'll check when the party starts.
Common way to say 'I'll look into it' in a text.
Er informiert sich drei Wochen lang über einen Toaster.
He spends three weeks informing himself about a toaster.
Pokes fun at someone who researches trivial things too much.
Sie informiert sich gründlich über die Behandlungsmöglichkeiten.
She is informing herself thoroughly about the treatment options.
Used in a serious context to show care and diligence.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Ich möchte ______ ______ den Flug informieren.
The subject is 'Ich', so the pronoun must be 'mich'. The verb 'informieren' requires 'über'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
It needs the reflexive 'uns', the preposition 'über', and the Accusative 'den'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du schon ein Hotel gefunden? B: Nein, ich muss ______ erst ______ ______ Preise informieren.
B is speaking about themselves (mich), using 'über', and 'Preise' is plural (die).
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Bitte informieren Sie sich am Schalter.'
A 'Schalter' (counter/window) is typical for public transport or banks.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch möchte ______ ______ den Flug informieren.
The subject is 'Ich', so the pronoun must be 'mich'. The verb 'informieren' requires 'über'.
Choose the correct option:
It needs the reflexive 'uns', the preposition 'über', and the Accusative 'den'.
A: Hast du schon ein Hotel gefunden? B: Nein, ich muss ______ erst ______ ______ Preise informieren.
B is speaking about themselves (mich), using 'über', and 'Preise' is plural (die).
Sentence: 'Bitte informieren Sie sich am Schalter.'
A 'Schalter' (counter/window) is typical for public transport or banks.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'über' is the standard preposition. 'Von' is used with 'erfahren' (to find out from).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Recherchieren' is more intense and academic. 'Sich informieren' is for everyday facts.
No, you can say 'Ich muss mich erst informieren' (I need to get informed first) without specifying what about.
Yes, 'Ich informiere mich über den neuen Chef' means you are looking up his background.
Yes, 'die Information'.
Informiert bleiben!
No, it's just casual. It's fine for friends and colleagues.
Always the Accusative (Akkusativ) with this verb.
Yes: 'Ich habe mich informiert'.
Related Phrases
sich erkundigen
similarto inquire
recherchieren
specialized formto research
Bescheid wissen
builds onto be in the know
sich schlau machen
synonymto wise up / get info
jemanden informieren
contrastto inform someone else
