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A1 Verb #2 most common 17 min read

sind

Top 2

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sind in 30 Seconds

Explanation sind in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'sind' is one of the first verbs you will learn. It is the plural form of 'sein' (to be). You use it to talk about yourself and others ('Wir sind...'), to talk about other people ('Sie sind...'), and to talk to people politely ('Sie sind...'). At this stage, you use 'sind' to describe basic things: your name, your job, your location, or how you feel. For example, 'Wir sind in Berlin' or 'Sie sind müde'. It is important to remember that 'sind' is always used with 'wir' (we), 'sie' (they), and 'Sie' (you, formal). You should practice the difference between 'ist' (singular) and 'sind' (plural). For example, 'Das Kind ist hier' (one child) but 'Die Kinder sind hier' (more than one child). This is the foundation of German grammar. You will also learn that 'sind' is used in simple questions like 'Sind Sie Herr Müller?' or 'Wo sind wir?'. Because it is so common, you will see and hear it everywhere. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on using 'sind' to make simple, clear sentences about groups of people and formal situations. It is the 'glue' that holds your first German sentences together. You will also notice that 'sind' is used for prices and telling the time in the plural, which are essential skills for daily life in Germany. Mastering 'sind' at A1 gives you the confidence to navigate basic social interactions and provide information about yourself and others.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'sind' in more complex ways, specifically as an auxiliary verb (Hilfsverb) to form the present perfect tense (Perfekt). While many verbs use 'haben' in the Perfekt, verbs that show a change of location or a change of state use 'sein'. For plural subjects, this means using 'sind'. For example, 'Wir sind nach Hause gegangen' (We went home) or 'Sie sind spät aufgewacht' (They woke up late). This is a major step in your German journey because it allows you to talk about the past. You will also learn to use 'sind' with more adjectives and in more varied contexts, such as describing weather or social situations in more detail. At A2, you should also become more comfortable with the 'V2' rule—knowing that 'sind' must stay in the second position even if you start the sentence with a time word like 'Gestern' or 'Heute'. For example, 'Gestern sind wir im Kino gewesen'. You will also start to encounter 'sind' in simple subordinate clauses, where it moves to the end of the sentence: 'Ich glaube, dass sie hier sind'. This level is about expanding your range and starting to connect ideas, and 'sind' is a key tool for both describing current states and past actions.

By the B1 level, you are expected to use 'sind' fluently and correctly in a wide range of grammatical structures. One of the new uses you will encounter is the 'Zustandspassiv' (statal passive). This is used to describe the result of an action. For example, 'Die Tür ist geschlossen' (The door is closed). Here, 'sind' (or 'ist') is combined with a past participle to describe a state. You will also use 'sind' more frequently in complex subordinate clauses and relative clauses. For example, 'Die Leute, die hier sind, kommen aus Spanien' (The people who are here come from Spain). At B1, you should also be able to use 'sind' in the 'Konjunktiv II' (subjunctive) contexts, although the form changes to 'wären'. However, understanding the base form 'sind' is essential for mastering these variations. You will also use 'sind' in more professional and academic contexts, often replacing it with more precise verbs like 'sich befinden' or 'darstellen' to vary your vocabulary. B1 is the level where you move from 'surviving' in German to 'living' in German, and 'sind' becomes a versatile tool for expressing nuanced ideas about identity, state, and history. You will also start to use 'sind' in more idiomatic expressions and common phrases used in workplace meetings and social debates.

At the B2 level, 'sind' is used in highly sophisticated ways, including more advanced passive constructions and in the formation of the 'Zustandspassiv' in various tenses. You will also encounter 'sind' in more abstract and philosophical texts. At this level, you are expected to have a perfect command of subject-verb agreement, even with complex subjects or in sentences with long intervening phrases. For example, 'Die Auswirkungen der neuen Gesetze auf die Wirtschaft sind noch unklar'. Here, the subject 'Auswirkungen' is far from the verb 'sind', but you must maintain the plural agreement. You will also study the 'Gerundivum' (the 'zu' + present participle construction), which often involves 'sein' forms: 'Die Aufgaben sind zu lösen' (The tasks are to be solved). This is a common structure in formal and academic German. B2 learners also focus on 'Register'—knowing when to use 'sind' and when to use a more formal alternative like 'fungieren als' or 'bestehen aus'. You will also explore the nuances of 'sein' as a full verb in existential sentences, often found in literature or high-level journalism. At B2, 'sind' is no longer just a basic verb; it is a precise instrument for constructing complex, grammatically perfect, and stylistically appropriate German sentences.

At the C1 level, your use of 'sind' should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. This includes a deep understanding of its role in the most complex grammatical structures, such as the 'Passiversatzformen' (passive replacement forms). For example, 'Diese Bücher sind leicht zu lesen' (These books are easy to read). You will also encounter 'sind' in the 'Konjunktiv I' (indirect speech), where it becomes 'seien', but your understanding of 'sind' as the plural indicative form remains the foundation. At C1, you will analyze how 'sind' is used in literary and historical texts to create specific tones or to emphasize certain existential themes. You will also be able to use 'sind' in highly idiomatic and culturally specific ways, understanding the subtle differences between 'Wir sind fertig' and 'Wir sind am Ende'. C1 involves a high level of stylistic awareness; you will know how to use 'sind' to create rhythm and balance in your writing. You will also be able to handle 'sind' in complex legal or technical documents, where it often appears in definitions and descriptive clauses. Your mastery of 'sind' at this level reflects a complete internalization of German logic and syntax, allowing you to focus on the content of your message rather than the mechanics of the language.

At the C2 level, you have reached the pinnacle of German proficiency. 'Sind' is used with absolute precision in every possible context, from the most casual slang to the most elevated academic discourse. You will be able to appreciate the etymological roots of 'sind' and how it relates to other Germanic and Indo-European languages. You can use 'sind' in complex rhetorical structures, such as chiasmus or parallelism, to create powerful and persuasive arguments. At this level, you might explore the philosophical implications of 'Sein' (Being) in the works of Heidegger or Hegel, where 'sind' is used to discuss the nature of existence itself. You will also be able to recognize and use archaic or regional variations of 'sind' if necessary for stylistic effect. Your command of the language is so complete that you can play with the word 'sind', using it in puns, wordplay, and creative writing. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis, a novel, or a legal brief, 'sind' is a tool that you use with total ease and sophistication. At C2, the word 'sind' is not just a verb; it is a part of your own linguistic identity, used to express the full range of human experience and thought in the German language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sind in 30 Seconds

The word 'sind' is the plural and formal present tense form of 'sein' (to be), used for 'we', 'they', and 'formal you'.
It acts as a copula to describe states or identities and as an auxiliary verb for the past tense of movement verbs.
Correct word order is essential: it usually takes the second position in statements and the first position in yes/no questions.
Commonly confused with 'seid' (informal plural you), 'sind' is a high-frequency word essential for basic and advanced German communication.

The German word sind is one of the most fundamental pillars of the German language, serving as the plural and polite present tense form of the irregular verb sein (to be). In its most basic sense, it functions as a copula, a linguistic bridge that connects a subject to a predicate, defining what something is, where it is, or how it is. Because sein is the most frequently used verb in German, sind appears in almost every conversation, from the simplest greetings to the most complex philosophical inquiries. It corresponds directly to the English 'are', but its application is strictly governed by the grammatical person of the subject. Specifically, it is used for the first-person plural (wir - we), the third-person plural (sie - they), and the formal second-person singular and plural (Sie - you formal). This multi-functional nature makes it indispensable for anyone learning German at the A1 level and beyond.

The Copula Function: As a copula, sind links a subject with an adjective or a noun to describe a state of being. For example, in the sentence 'Wir sind glücklich' (We are happy), the verb serves as the equal sign between 'we' and 'happy'. It does not describe an action but rather an identity or a condition. This is the first way learners encounter the word, using it to introduce themselves as part of a group or to describe the environment around them.

Wir sind heute im Park und genießen die Sonne.

Beyond its role as a simple linking verb, sind is also a crucial auxiliary verb (Hilfsverb). In German, the present perfect tense (Perfekt) is formed using either haben or sein. For verbs that indicate a change of location (like gehen - to go) or a change of state (like aufwachen - to wake up), sind is used as the helping verb for plural subjects. For instance, 'Sie sind nach Berlin gefahren' (They have traveled to Berlin). Without sind, expressing past actions involving movement would be grammatically impossible for plural subjects. This dual role as both a primary verb and a structural helper makes it a high-frequency word that learners must master early to achieve even basic fluency.

The Formal 'Sie': One of the most important cultural aspects of using sind is its association with the formal 'Sie'. In German culture, maintaining a level of distance and respect in professional or public settings is vital. When addressing a stranger, a boss, or an elder, you must use Sie, which always conjugates with sind. Asking 'Sind Sie Herr Schmidt?' is the standard way to initiate a formal interaction. Misusing the informal 'bist' or 'seid' in these contexts can be seen as a breach of etiquette.

In everyday life, you will hear sind in a variety of idiomatic and functional contexts. It is used to tell the time in the plural ('Es sind fünf Minuten vor zwölf'), to discuss prices ('Das sind zwanzig Euro'), and to express existence in a way similar to 'there are' ('Da sind viele Leute'). The versatility of sind means it is not just a word, but a structural requirement for expressing reality in German. Whether you are identifying your family, describing a group of tourists, or politely asking for assistance, sind is the linguistic engine that powers the sentence.

Meine Eltern sind seit dreißig Jahren verheiratet.

Existential Use: In philosophical or abstract contexts, sind expresses the very nature of existence. Phrases like 'Wir sind, was wir tun' (We are what we do) highlight the word's ability to define the essence of being. This depth allows the word to transition seamlessly from the A1 classroom to C2 level literature and philosophy, proving that even the simplest words carry the weight of the entire language's expressive potential.

Die Ergebnisse sind endlich verfügbar.

Warum sind Sie so spät gekommen?

Ultimately, mastering sind is about understanding the plural perspective of German. It forces the speaker to look beyond the individual 'I' (ich bin) and the singular 'you' (du bist) to the collective 'we' and 'they'. It is the word of community, of formal society, and of completed actions in the past. Its frequency in the German language is a testament to its utility; you cannot go five minutes in a German-speaking environment without needing to use or understand this vital verb form.

Using sind correctly requires an understanding of German sentence structure, specifically the 'Verb Second' (V2) rule and the nuances of subject-verb agreement. In a standard declarative sentence, sind will almost always occupy the second position. The subject, whether it is wir, sie, or Sie, usually takes the first position, but German's flexible word order allows other elements to come first for emphasis. If an adverb or a time expression starts the sentence, sind remains in the second slot, and the subject moves to the third. This inversion is a hallmark of German syntax that learners must practice to sound natural.

Declarative Sentences: The most common use is a simple statement. 'Wir sind Studenten' (We are students). Here, sind connects the subject to a noun. Note that in German, we often omit the article for professions or roles in the singular, but in the plural, the noun itself changes. 'Wir sind Lehrer' (We are teachers). If we add a time element, it looks like this: 'Heute sind wir im Büro' (Today we are in the office). Notice how sind stays in position two.

Morgen sind wir alle zusammen im Urlaub.

When forming questions, sind moves to the first position. This is known as 'Yes/No' question formation. 'Sind Sie bereit?' (Are you ready?). If the question uses an interrogative word (W-Frage) like wer, wie, or warum, that word takes the first position, and sind follows in the second. 'Warum sind sie hier?' (Why are they here?). This consistency in the verb's position makes German logic-driven, even if it feels foreign to English speakers at first. Mastering the movement of sind in questions is essential for effective communication.

The Auxiliary Role in Perfekt: In the present perfect tense, sind acts as a bracket. It sits in the second position, while the main verb (in its past participle form) moves to the very end of the sentence. 'Wir sind gestern spät angekommen' (We arrived late yesterday). This 'sentence bracket' (Satzklammer) is a unique feature of German. The word sind provides the person and tense information, while the final verb provides the action. This requires the listener to wait until the end of the sentence to understand the full meaning.

Sie sind schnell zum Bahnhof gelaufen.

In subordinate clauses (sentences starting with weil, dass, obwohl, etc.), the verb sind is pushed to the very end of the clause. 'Ich weiß, dass sie müde sind' (I know that they are tired). This is often the most challenging aspect for English speakers, as the natural instinct is to place the verb after the subject. Practicing this 'verb-final' structure with sind is a great way to internalize German word order. Because sind is so short and common, it serves as an excellent 'anchor' for learning these complex rules.

Passive Voice (Zustandspassiv): At more advanced levels, sind is used to form the 'statal passive', which describes a completed state rather than an ongoing action. 'Die Fenster sind geschlossen' (The windows are closed). Here, the focus is on the state of the windows, not the act of closing them. This contrasts with the 'actional passive' which uses werden. Understanding this distinction allows for much more precise descriptions of the world.

Alle Vorbereitungen für das Fest sind bereits getroffen.

Wir sind uns sicher, dass das die richtige Entscheidung war.

Finally, sind is used in mathematical expressions and collective measurements. 'Zwei und zwei sind vier' (Two and two are four). Even though 'four' is a single number, the plurality of the subjects ('two and two') dictates the use of sind. Similarly, when talking about groups, if the subject is plural, sind is mandatory. 'Die Leute sind freundlich' (The people are friendly). Note that 'die Leute' is always plural in German, unlike 'the public' or 'the team' which can sometimes be singular in English. This consistent application of plural logic is key to mastering the word.

In the German-speaking world, sind is ubiquitous. You will hear it the moment you step off a plane or train. Public announcements often use it: 'Wir sind in Kürze in Berlin Hauptbahnhof' (We will shortly be at Berlin Central Station). In this context, it conveys a sense of collective arrival and current state. Because German culture values punctuality and clear communication, sind is frequently used to provide status updates in public spaces. It is the sound of information being shared with a group.

In the Service Industry: When you enter a shop or a restaurant, the staff will almost certainly address you with the formal 'Sie'. You might hear: 'Sind Sie schon bedient worden?' (Have you already been served?) or 'Sind Sie bereit zu bestellen?' (Are you ready to order?). In these interactions, sind functions as a marker of professional distance and politeness. It is the linguistic equivalent of a formal uniform, signaling that the interaction is business-like and respectful.

Entschuldigung, sind Sie der Besitzer dieses Wagens?

In social settings, sind is the word of the 'we'. Friends planning an outing will say, 'Wir sind um acht Uhr da' (We'll be there at eight). It creates a sense of shared identity. In the workplace, during meetings, you'll hear it used to describe project statuses: 'Wir sind fast fertig' (We are almost finished). It is also the word used for introductions in a group: 'Das sind meine Kollegen' (These are my colleagues). In every social layer, from the most intimate to the most professional, sind acts as the glue that identifies groups and their current conditions.

Media and News: Turn on the news (like Tagesschau), and you will hear sind used to report on plural subjects: 'Die Verhandlungen sind gescheitert' (The negotiations have failed) or 'Tausende Menschen sind auf der Straße' (Thousands of people are on the street). In journalism, it provides a neutral, factual tone. It is also used in weather reports: 'Die Temperaturen sind heute mild' (The temperatures are mild today). It is the voice of objective reality in the German media landscape.

In the classroom or during a tour, sind is used for checking in. A teacher might ask, 'Sind alle da?' (Is everyone here?). A tour guide might say, 'Wir sind jetzt am Brandenburger Tor' (We are now at the Brandenburg Gate). It is a word of orientation, helping people understand their place in a physical or conceptual space. Because it is so short and ends with a voiced 'd' (which often sounds like a soft 't' due to final-obstruent devoicing in German), it has a crisp, definitive sound that cuts through noise in busy public environments.

Hier sind Ihre Eintrittskarten für das Museum.

On the Phone: When calling a business, you might hear an automated voice say: 'Alle unsere Mitarbeiter sind zurzeit im Gespräch' (All our employees are currently in a call). This is a classic example of sind used to describe a collective state. It is polite, informative, and grammatically precise. Even in these digital interactions, the rules of plurality and formality remain central to the German experience.

Wie viele Personen sind Sie insgesamt?

Wir sind sehr froh, dass Sie heute gekommen sind.

Finally, in literature and music, sind is used to evoke universal truths. In the famous song 'Die Gedanken sind frei' (Thoughts are free), the word sind serves as a powerful declaration of liberty. It is not just a grammatical necessity but a word that carries the weight of history and culture. Whether in a pop song on the radio or a classic poem, sind is the vehicle for expressing how things are and how they should be.

Despite its simplicity, sind is a frequent source of errors for German learners, primarily due to the complexities of the verb sein and its irregular conjugation. The most common mistake is confusing sind with other forms of 'to be', particularly seid. While sind is for 'we', 'they', and 'formal you', seid is exclusively for the informal plural 'you' (ihr). Many learners, influenced by the English 'are' (which covers all plural forms), mistakenly say 'Ihr sind' instead of 'Ihr seid'. This is a glaring grammatical error that immediately marks a speaker as a beginner.

The 'Sie' vs. 'sie' Confusion: Another major pitfall is the distinction between 'sie' (she - singular) and 'sie' (they - plural). The singular 'she' takes ist ('Sie ist hier'), while the plural 'they' takes sind ('Sie sind hier'). Because the pronouns sound identical, learners often default to one or the other without checking the context. This is further complicated by the formal 'Sie' (you), which also takes sind. If you see 'Sie sind' at the start of a sentence, you must look for context to know if it means 'They are' or 'You (formal) are'.

Falsch: Ihr sind meine Freunde. (Correct: Ihr seid...)

In the realm of the present perfect tense (Perfekt), learners often default to haben as the auxiliary verb because it is more common. They might say 'Wir haben gegangen' instead of the correct 'Wir sind gegangen'. Remembering which verbs take sind as a helper—specifically those involving movement from point A to point B or a change in state—is a significant hurdle. This requires memorizing not just the verb, but its auxiliary partner. Forgetting this rule leads to sentences that sound 'broken' to native ears, as the choice of auxiliary is a fundamental part of German tense logic.

Spelling and Homophones: Learners sometimes confuse sind with the noun Sinn (sense/meaning). While they sound slightly different to a trained ear (the 'i' in sind is short, while the 'i' in Sinn is also short but followed by a double 'n'), in fast speech, they can be confused. Writing 'Das macht keinen sind' instead of 'Das macht keinen Sinn' is a common spelling error. Remember: sind is a verb (being), Sinn is a noun (meaning).

Word order mistakes are also frequent. In English, we say 'We are today here'. In German, sind must stay in the second position: 'Wir sind heute hier' or 'Heute sind wir hier'. Learners often try to keep the subject and verb together ('Heute wir sind hier'), which violates the V2 rule. Similarly, in subordinate clauses, learners often forget to move sind to the end. 'Ich denke, dass sie sind müde' is incorrect; it must be 'Ich denke, dass sie müde sind'. These structural errors are common because they require a shift in how the speaker plans the entire sentence.

Falsch: Ich weiß nicht, wo sind sie. (Correct: ...wo sie sind.)

Collective Nouns: English speakers often struggle with collective nouns like 'die Familie' or 'das Team'. In English, we might say 'The team are playing well'. In German, these are strictly singular: 'Das Team ist gut'. Conversely, 'die Leute' (the people) is always plural and must take sind. Learners often mix these up, using sind for 'family' or ist for 'people'. Paying attention to the grammatical number of the noun, rather than the conceptual number of people, is vital.

Falsch: Die Polizei sind da. (Correct: Die Polizei ist da - singular in German!)

Falsch: Wir sind Fußball gespielt. (Correct: Wir haben Fußball gespielt - no movement!)

Finally, there is the confusion between sind and the passive auxiliary werden. While sind can form a passive ('Die Tür ist geschlossen'), it describes the state. If you want to say the door is *being* closed right now, you must use werden ('Die Tür wird geschlossen'). Learners often use sind for all passive contexts, losing the nuance of action versus state. Avoiding these mistakes requires a combination of grammatical study and active listening to how native speakers distinguish between these closely related but distinct forms.

While sind is the most common way to express 'are', the German language offers several alternatives and similar words that can add precision, formality, or variety to your speech. Understanding these synonyms and related terms is key to moving from a basic A1 level to a more sophisticated B1 or B2 level. Often, sind can feel a bit repetitive or overly simple, especially in writing. In these cases, choosing a more specific verb can significantly improve the quality of your German.

Befinden sich (To be located/to find oneself): When sind is used to describe a location, it can often be replaced by the reflexive verb sich befinden. For example, instead of 'Wir sind im Museum', you could say 'Wir befinden uns im Museum'. This is much more formal and is commonly used in written reports, travel guides, or official announcements. It emphasizes the physical presence in a specific location rather than just the state of being there.

Die Dokumente befinden sich in der obersten Schublade.

Another alternative is existieren (to exist). While sind can imply existence ('Da sind viele Probleme'), existieren is more explicit and academic. 'Es existieren viele Probleme' sounds more serious and analytical. Similarly, the verb darstellen (to represent/to constitute) can be used when sind is used to define something. Instead of 'Diese Fehler sind ein großes Risiko', one might say 'Diese Fehler stellen ein großes Risiko dar'. This elevates the register of the sentence and makes the speaker sound more professional.

Sein vs. Werden: It is crucial to distinguish sind from werden (to become/will). While they are both auxiliary verbs, they convey different meanings. 'Wir sind müde' means we are currently tired. 'Wir werden müde' means we are becoming tired. Learners often confuse these when talking about the future or changes in state. Additionally, bleiben (to stay/remain) is a useful alternative when you want to emphasize that a state is not changing: 'Wir bleiben Freunde' (We remain friends) vs. 'Wir sind Freunde'.

In the context of 'there are', German uses the phrase es gibt. While you can say 'Da sind Äpfel auf dem Tisch' (There are apples on the table), es gibt is more common for general existence: 'Es gibt viele Äpfel in Deutschland' (There are many apples in Germany). Note that es gibt is always singular and takes the accusative, whereas sind changes with the subject and takes the nominative. Choosing between sind and es gibt is a subtle but important part of sounding like a native speaker.

Ausmachen (To constitute/make up): When talking about what makes up a whole, ausmachen is a great alternative. 'Diese drei Punkte sind das Hauptproblem' can be rendered as 'Diese drei Punkte machen das Hauptproblem aus'. This verb adds a sense of composition and structure that sind lacks. It is particularly useful in business and academic contexts where you are analyzing the components of a situation.

Diese Faktoren machen den Erfolg des Projekts aus.

Wir bleiben heute Abend lieber zu Hause.

Es existieren keine Beweise für diese Theorie.

Finally, for expressing identity or roles, the verb fungieren als (to function as) is a sophisticated alternative. 'Sie sind die Leiter des Teams' becomes 'Sie fungieren als Leiter des Teams'. This implies a specific function or role within a system. By learning these alternatives, you don't just replace sind; you expand your ability to describe the world with nuance, moving from simple 'being' to 'existing', 'functioning', 'representing', and 'remaining'. This is the path to true linguistic mastery in German.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Sind Sie mit den Bedingungen des Vertrags einverstanden?"

Neutral

"Wir sind heute etwas später dran."

Informal

"Wir sind gleich da, wartet auf uns!"

Child friendly

"Die Enten sind auf dem Teich."

Slang

"Wir sind raus."

Fun Fact

The verb 'sein' is 'suppletive', meaning its different forms (bin, ist, war, sind) come from three different Indo-European roots (*es-, *bhu-, *wes-). 'Sind' comes from the same root as the English 'is' and 'am'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /zɪnt/

US /zɪnt/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

Kind Wind blind geschwind gelind rind find erfind

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a voiceless 's' (like 'sink') instead of a voiced 'z'.
Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard 'd' instead of the correct 't' sound at the end.
Making the 'i' too long (like 'seen').
Confusing the pronunciation with 'Sinn' (though they are very similar).
Dropping the final 't' sound entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a core word.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but requires correct subject-verb agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Requires attention to the voiced 's' and final 't' sound.

Listening 1/5

Very common and easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ich du er/sie/es wir ihr sie/Sie

Learn Next

war (past tense) bin/bist/ist/seid haben werden

Advanced

wären (subjunctive) seien (indirect speech) gewesen (past participle)

Grammar to Know

Subject-Verb Agreement

Wir (plural) + sind (plural).

Verb Second (V2) Position

Heute (1) sind (2) wir (3) hier.

Auxiliary for Movement Verbs

Wir sind (aux) nach Berlin gefahren (main).

Polite Address (Sie-Form)

Sie (formal) always takes the plural verb 'sind'.

Statal Passive (Zustandspassiv)

Die Fenster sind (state) geschlossen.

Examples by Level

Wir sind heute im Park.

We are in the park today.

First person plural 'wir' + 'sind'.

Sie sind meine Freunde.

They are my friends.

Third person plural 'sie' + 'sind'.

Sind Sie Herr Müller?

Are you Mr. Müller?

Formal 'Sie' + 'sind' in a question.

Wo sind die Schlüssel?

Where are the keys?

Plural noun 'die Schlüssel' + 'sind'.

Die Äpfel sind rot.

The apples are red.

Plural subject 'die Äpfel' + 'sind'.

Wir sind aus Berlin.

We are from Berlin.

Using 'sind' to express origin.

Sind alle da?

Is everyone here? (lit: Are all there?)

Plural pronoun 'alle' + 'sind'.

Das sind zwanzig Euro.

That is twenty euros. (lit: Those are...)

Using 'sind' for prices with plural amounts.

Wir sind gestern nach München gefahren.

We traveled to Munich yesterday.

Auxiliary 'sind' for Perfekt with a verb of movement.

Sie sind schon am Bahnhof angekommen.

They have already arrived at the station.

Auxiliary 'sind' for Perfekt with 'ankommen'.

Warum sind Sie so spät gekommen?

Why did you (formal) come so late?

Formal 'Sie' + 'sind' as auxiliary in a question.

Die Kinder sind schnell gewachsen.

The children have grown quickly.

Auxiliary 'sind' for Perfekt with a change of state.

Wir sind den ganzen Tag gewandert.

We hiked the whole day.

Auxiliary 'sind' for Perfekt with 'wandern'.

Sind sie gestern zu Hause geblieben?

Did they stay at home yesterday?

Auxiliary 'sind' for Perfekt with 'bleiben'.

Heute sind wir alle sehr müde.

Today we are all very tired.

V2 rule: 'Heute' (pos 1), 'sind' (pos 2), 'wir' (pos 3).

Meine Eltern sind seit 1990 verheiratet.

My parents have been married since 1990.

Using 'sind' to describe a long-term state.

Die Fenster sind alle geschlossen.

The windows are all closed.

Zustandspassiv (statal passive) with 'sind'.

Ich weiß, dass sie im Urlaub sind.

I know that they are on vacation.

Subordinate clause with 'sind' at the end.

Die Ergebnisse sind endlich bekannt.

The results are finally known.

Describing a resulting state.

Wir sind uns sicher, dass es klappt.

We are sure that it will work.

Reflexive construction 'sich sicher sein'.

Sind Sie mit dem Service zufrieden?

Are you (formal) satisfied with the service?

Formal question with an adjective and preposition.

Die Probleme sind komplexer als gedacht.

The problems are more complex than thought.

Using 'sind' with a comparative adjective.

Wir sind bereit, das Projekt zu starten.

We are ready to start the project.

Using 'sind' with an infinitive construction.

Die Kosten sind in den letzten Jahren gestiegen.

The costs have risen in recent years.

Auxiliary 'sind' for Perfekt with 'steigen' (change of state).

Die Aufgaben sind bis morgen zu erledigen.

The tasks are to be completed by tomorrow.

Gerundivum construction (sein + zu + infinitive).

Die Auswirkungen sind noch nicht absehbar.

The effects are not yet foreseeable.

Abstract subject with plural agreement.

Wir sind davon überzeugt, dass dies der richtige Weg ist.

We are convinced that this is the right way.

Pronominal adverb 'davon' with 'überzeugt sein'.

Die Verhandlungen sind vorerst gescheitert.

The negotiations have failed for the time being.

Auxiliary 'sind' for Perfekt with 'scheitern'.

Sind Sie sich der Konsequenzen bewusst?

Are you (formal) aware of the consequences?

Genitive construction with 'sich bewusst sein'.

Die Rollen sind in diesem Film klar verteilt.

The roles are clearly distributed in this film.

Zustandspassiv in a professional context.

Wir sind bestrebt, die Qualität zu verbessern.

We are striving to improve the quality.

Formal expression 'bestrebt sein'.

Diese Faktoren sind für den Erfolg ausschlaggebend.

These factors are decisive for success.

Using 'sind' with a complex predicate.

Die Grenzen zwischen Fakt und Fiktion sind fließend.

The boundaries between fact and fiction are blurred.

Metaphorical use of 'sind' in an academic context.

Wir sind gehalten, die Vorschriften strikt zu befolgen.

We are required to follow the regulations strictly.

Formal passive construction 'gehalten sein'.

Die Motive des Täters sind nach wie vor unklar.

The perpetrator's motives are still unclear.

Formal journalistic style.

Sind Sie der Ansicht, dass Maßnahmen nötig sind?

Are you of the opinion that measures are necessary?

Formal expression 'der Ansicht sein'.

Die Tage sind gezählt.

The days are numbered.

Idiomatic expression using Zustandspassiv.

Wir sind uns einig, dass wir handeln müssen.

We are in agreement that we must act.

Reflexive 'sich einig sein'.

Die Chancen auf einen Sieg sind verschwindend gering.

The chances of a victory are vanishingly small.

Using 'sind' with an adverbial phrase of degree.

Diese Entdeckungen sind von großer Bedeutung.

These discoveries are of great importance.

Genitive of quality 'von großer Bedeutung sein'.

Wir sind, was wir aus uns machen.

We are what we make of ourselves.

Philosophical existential use.

Die Würfel sind gefallen.

The die is cast.

Historical idiom (Alea iacta est) using 'sind' as auxiliary.

Alle Menschen sind vor dem Gesetz gleich.

All humans are equal before the law.

Legal and constitutional language.

Die Geister, die ich rief, die werd ich nun nicht los. (Wir sind ihnen ausgeliefert).

The spirits I called, I cannot get rid of. (We are at their mercy).

Literary reference and dative complement 'jemandem ausgeliefert sein'.

Sind wir nicht alle ein bisschen Bluna?

Aren't we all a little crazy? (Cultural reference).

Rhetorical question with cultural advertising reference.

Die Strukturen sind tief in der Gesellschaft verwurzelt.

The structures are deeply rooted in society.

Sociological academic language.

Wir sind Zeugen eines historischen Umbruchs.

We are witnesses to a historical upheaval.

Noun-verb combination in a formal context.

Es sind die kleinen Dinge, die den Unterschied machen.

It is the small things that make the difference.

Expletive 'es' with plural 'sind' (cleft sentence).

Common Collocations

Wir sind dabei.

Sind Sie sicher?

Die Zeiten sind vorbei.

Wir sind fertig.

Alle sind da.

Sie sind willkommen.

Wir sind uns einig.

Die Kosten sind hoch.

Wir sind unterwegs.

Sind Sie bereit?

Common Phrases

Wir sind quitt.

— We are even (usually regarding money or a favor).

Hier sind die 5 Euro, jetzt sind wir quitt.

Das sind wir uns schuldig.

— We owe it to ourselves.

Wir müssen Urlaub machen, das sind wir uns schuldig.

Wir sind am Zug.

— It's our turn.

Jetzt sind wir am Zug, eine Entscheidung zu treffen.

Sie sind an der Reihe.

— It is your (formal) turn.

Bitte kommen Sie vor, Sie sind an der Reihe.

Wir sind guter Dinge.

— We are in good spirits / optimistic.

Trotz der Probleme sind wir guter Dinge.

Das sind Peanuts.

— That's a trivial amount of money.

Für diese Firma sind eine Million Euro nur Peanuts.

Wir sind ganz Ohr.

— We are all ears (listening intently).

Erzähl uns deine Geschichte, wir sind ganz Ohr.

Sie sind auf dem Holzweg.

— You (formal) are on the wrong track.

Ich glaube, Sie sind hier auf dem Holzweg.

Wir sind aus dem Schneider.

— We are out of the woods / out of trouble.

Die Krise ist vorbei, wir sind aus dem Schneider.

Das sind zwei Paar Schuhe.

— Those are two completely different things.

Theorie und Praxis sind zwei Paar Schuhe.

Often Confused With

sind vs seid

'Seid' is for informal plural 'you' (ihr), while 'sind' is for 'we', 'they', and formal 'you'.

sind vs ist

'Ist' is singular (he/she/it), while 'sind' is plural.

sind vs Sinn

'Sinn' is a noun meaning 'sense' or 'meaning', while 'sind' is a verb.

Idioms & Expressions

"Die Gedanken sind frei."

— Thoughts are free (no one can control what you think).

Niemand kann mir verbieten zu träumen, denn die Gedanken sind frei.

literary/cultural

"Wir sind mit unserem Latein am Ende."

— We are at our wits' end (we don't know what to do anymore).

Wir haben alles versucht, aber wir sind mit unserem Latein am Ende.

informal/neutral

"Hopfen und Malz sind verloren."

— It's a hopeless case (nothing can be done).

Er will einfach nicht lernen, da sind Hopfen und Malz verloren.

informal

"Wir sind im Bilde."

— We are in the picture (we are informed).

Danke für die Information, jetzt sind wir im Bilde.

neutral

"Aller guten Dinge sind drei."

— Third time's a charm.

Ich probiere es noch einmal, aller guten Dinge sind drei.

neutral

"Wir sind über den Berg."

— We are over the hump (the worst is over).

Die Operation war erfolgreich, wir sind über den Berg.

neutral

"Sie sind nicht von gestern."

— You (formal) weren't born yesterday (you are clever/experienced).

Ich weiß, dass Sie nicht von gestern sind und den Trick durchschauen.

informal

"Wir sind auf Draht."

— We are on the ball / alert.

In dieser Abteilung sind wir immer auf Draht.

informal

"Die Würfel sind gefallen."

— The die is cast (the decision is made and cannot be changed).

Ich habe den Vertrag unterschrieben, die Würfel sind gefallen.

literary

"Wir sind quitt."

— We are even.

Du hast mir geholfen, ich habe dir geholfen, jetzt sind wir quitt.

informal

Easily Confused

sind vs seid

Both mean 'are' in English.

'Sind' is for 'wir/sie/Sie', while 'seid' is only for 'ihr'.

Ihr seid hier, aber wir sind dort.

sind vs sind vs. werden

Both are auxiliary verbs.

'Sind' describes a state or a completed movement, while 'werden' describes a process or the future.

Wir sind müde (state) vs. Wir werden müde (process).

sind vs sind vs. haben

Both are auxiliaries for the past tense.

'Sind' is for movement/change of state, 'haben' is for everything else.

Wir sind gelaufen vs. Wir haben gegessen.

sind vs sie (singular) vs. sie (plural)

The pronoun is the same.

The verb changes: 'Sie ist' (she is) vs. 'Sie sind' (they are).

Sie ist schön vs. Sie sind schön.

sind vs sind vs. befinden sich

Both describe location.

'Sind' is simple and common, 'befinden sich' is formal and specific to location.

Wir sind im Wald vs. Wir befinden uns im Wald.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] sind [Adjective].

Wir sind glücklich.

Sind Sie [Noun]?

Sind Sie Lehrer?

[Subject] sind [Location] [Past Participle].

Sie sind nach Hause gegangen.

Ich glaube, dass [Subject] [Adjective] sind.

Ich glaube, dass sie müde sind.

[Noun Plural] sind [Past Participle].

Die Türen sind verschlossen.

[Subject] sind zu [Infinitive].

Die Probleme sind zu lösen.

Sind Sie der Ansicht, dass...?

Sind Sie der Ansicht, dass wir gehen sollten?

Es sind [Noun Plural], die...

Es sind die Taten, die zählen.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high (Top 5 most used verbs in German).

Common Mistakes

Ihr sind hier. → Ihr seid hier.
Learners often use 'sind' for all plural 'you' forms. 'Ihr' (informal plural) must use 'seid'.
Wir haben nach Berlin gegangen. → Wir sind nach Berlin gegangen.
Movement verbs use 'sein' (sind) as an auxiliary, not 'haben'.
Heute wir sind im Park. → Heute sind wir im Park.
The verb must be in the second position. If 'Heute' is first, 'sind' must be second.
Ich weiß, dass sie sind müde. → Ich weiß, dass sie müde sind.
In a 'dass' clause, the conjugated verb 'sind' must go to the very end.
Die Familie sind groß. → Die Familie ist groß.
Collective nouns like 'Familie' or 'Team' are singular in German and take 'ist', not 'sind'.

Tips

Subject-Verb Match

Always look at your subject first. If it's 'wir', 'sie' (plural), or 'Sie' (formal), 'sind' is your only choice in the present tense.

The Polite 'Sie'

When in doubt in a professional setting, use 'Sie sind'. It is always safer to be too formal than too informal in German culture.

V2 Rule

Remember that 'sind' is a verb and loves the second position. If you start your sentence with 'Heute' or 'Gestern', 'sind' must come next.

Auxiliary Alert

If you hear 'sind' followed by a subject, listen to the very end of the sentence for a past participle like 'gekommen' or 'geflogen'.

Formal Alternatives

In essays, try replacing 'sind' with 'befinden sich' for locations to sound more academic and professional.

The 'S' Rule

Most subjects that use 'sind' start with 'S': **S**ie (they) and **S**ie (formal). Just add 'wir' to the list!

Equality

Remember the phrase 'Wir sind das Volk' to understand the historical power of this simple verb in German history.

Final T

Don't let the 'd' fool you. Pronounce it as a crisp 't' to sound like a native speaker. 'Zint', not 'Zind'.

Subordinate Clauses

Practice saying '...dass wir hier sind' over and over to get used to the verb-final position in German.

Prices

When shopping, use 'Das sind...' for any amount over 1 Euro. 'Das sind zwei Euro fünfzig'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sind' as 'S' for 'Several' people. If there are several (we, they), use 'sind'.

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people (we/they) standing together in a circle, and the word 'SIND' is written in the middle of the circle, connecting them all.

Word Web

wir sie (plural) Sie (formal) sind sein Zustand Identität Hilfsverb

Challenge

Try to write five sentences using 'sind' describing your family, your colleagues, and a formal question to a stranger.

Word Origin

The word 'sind' comes from the Old High German 'sint', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*sindi'. It is part of the Indo-European root '*es-', which means 'to be'. This root is also found in the Latin 'sunt' and the Sanskrit 'santi'.

Original meaning: The original meaning has always been 'they are' or 'we are', representing existence and identity.

Germanic -> West Germanic -> High German -> German

Cultural Context

Be careful to use 'sind' with 'Sie' when addressing people you don't know well to avoid appearing rude or overly familiar.

English speakers often forget that 'sind' is used for the formal 'you'. In English, 'are' is used for both formal and informal 'you', which leads to confusion.

Die Gedanken sind frei (Traditional folk song) Wir sind das Volk (Slogan of the 1989 East German protests) Die Würfel sind gefallen (Julius Caesar's famous quote in German)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Introductions

Das sind meine Freunde.
Wir sind die neuen Mieter.
Sind Sie der Chef?
Wer sind Sie?

Location

Wir sind im Garten.
Wo sind die Kinder?
Sie sind schon im Auto.
Wir sind gleich da.

Status/Condition

Wir sind fertig.
Sind Sie bereit?
Sie sind sehr freundlich.
Wir sind müde.

Past Tense (Auxiliary)

Wir sind gelaufen.
Sie sind gekommen.
Sind Sie gefahren?
Wir sind geblieben.

Numbers and Prices

Das sind zehn Euro.
Zwei und zwei sind vier.
Wir sind zu fünft.
Es sind viele Leute.

Conversation Starters

"Sind Sie zum ersten Mal in Deutschland?"

"Wir sind gerade erst angekommen, und Sie?"

"Sind Sie auch hier für die Konferenz?"

"Wo sind Ihrer Meinung nach die besten Restaurants in der Stadt?"

"Wir sind uns nicht sicher, welchen Weg wir nehmen sollen. Können Sie helfen?"

Journal Prompts

Schreiben Sie über Ihre Familie: Wer sind sie und wo sind sie jetzt?

Beschreiben Sie Ihre Kollegen: Wie sind sie und was sind ihre Aufgaben?

Was sind Ihre Ziele für dieses Jahr? Warum sind diese Ziele wichtig?

Denken Sie an einen Urlaub: Wohin sind Sie gereist und wie war es dort?

Sind Sie mit Ihrem aktuellen Fortschritt beim Deutschlernen zufrieden? Warum oder warum nicht?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Use 'sind' when the subject is plural (more than one person or thing) or when using the formal 'Sie'. Use 'ist' for a single person or thing (he, she, it). For example: 'Das Auto ist rot' but 'Die Autos sind rot'.

Yes, but only for the formal 'you' (Sie). If you are talking to one or more people formally, use 'sind'. For informal 'you' singular, use 'bist' (du bist), and for informal 'you' plural, use 'seid' (ihr seid).

In German, verbs that involve movement from one place to another (like 'gehen', 'fahren', 'laufen') use 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in the past tense. Since 'wir' is plural, the form of 'sein' we use is 'sind'.

Yes, 'sind' can be used to mean 'there are' when referring to plural objects in a specific location. For example: 'Da sind drei Äpfel' (There are three apples). However, for general existence, 'es gibt' is more common.

Both mean 'are', but 'sind' is for 'wir' (we), 'sie' (they), and 'Sie' (formal you). 'Seid' is only for 'ihr' (informal plural you, like 'you guys').

In a standard statement, yes. For example: 'Wir sind hier.' If you start with another word, it stays second: 'Heute sind wir hier.' However, in questions, it comes first: 'Sind wir hier?', and in subordinate clauses, it goes to the end: '...weil wir hier sind.'

Yes, when the number of minutes or hours is plural. For example: 'Es sind fünf Minuten vor eins' (It is five minutes to one). For the hour itself, we usually use 'ist': 'Es ist zwei Uhr'.

In German, a 'd' at the end of a word is pronounced like a 't'. This is called 'Auslautverhärtung'. So, 'sind' sounds like 'zint'.

Yes, German often uses the present tense to talk about the future if there is a time word. For example: 'Morgen sind wir in Paris' (Tomorrow we will be in Paris).

The simple past (Präteritum) of 'sind' is 'waren'. For example: 'Wir sind hier' (present) vs. 'Wir waren hier' (past).