verb
to be
A1
'Sein' means 'to be'. Main senses: existence/identity and states (equivalent to English 'to be'; Spanish 'ser/estar'). It is an irregular strong verb, non‑reflexive, and functions as an auxiliary itself; perfect uses sein + participle 'gewesen' (ich bin gewesen). Present/preterite: bin/war, bist/warst, ist/war.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Die Gegend galt als sicher, obwohl sie gefährlich zu sein schien.
The area was considered safe, although it seemed to be dangerous.
Das Fenster war zu.
The window was closed.
Die Tür ist zu.
The door is closed.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a sign that says 'I am' (being), with the word 'zu' stuck to 'sein' like a label meaning 'to' + 'be'.
Sounds a bit like 'zoo sign' — imagine a sign at the zoo that simply says 'I am'.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
zu sein is the infinitive construction with 'zu' plus the verb 'sein' (to be). It's commonly used in infinitive clauses (e.g., 'es ist wichtig, ... zu sein'). | Intransitive verb; passive forms are not applicable.