conjunction
the ... the ... (correlative), per / each
B1
Je functions mainly as a correlative word ("the ... the ...") used with 'desto' or 'umso' to form comparisons (je schneller, desto besser). Secondly it can mean 'per' or 'each' in quantifying expressions (e.g. je Person). Not a verb; it requires its correlative partner and comparative structure.
Examples
Je früher du kommst, desto besser findest du einen Platz.
The earlier you arrive, the easier it is to find a seat.
Je länger die Diskussion dauerte, desto müder wurden die Zuhörer, sodass die Fragen kürzer ausfielen.
The longer the discussion lasted, the more tired the listeners became, so the questions turned out to be shorter.
Der Eintritt kostet 10 Euro je Person.
The entrance fee is 10 euros per person.
Details
Mnemonics
Visualize two parallel columns: 'je' on the left and 'desto' on the right, linked by an arrow.
Sounds like English 'ye' (old-fashioned 'you') — short and small as its function in pairs.
Notes
Commonly used in correlative comparative constructions with 'desto' or 'umso' (je ... desto/umso). Also used in fixed phrases meaning 'per' (e.g., 'je Person').