How to Say ‘To be’ in German
Sein
zine
[zine]
💬 Usage Tip: The infinitive of ist, sind, etc. In set phrases like Was darf es sein?, it helps form a polite expression.
🇩🇪 In Germany: German bartenders often use fixed formulas rather than creative small talk, especially when it's busy.
Phrase Breakdown
Sein
[zine]
to be
The infinitive verb 'to be'; in phrases like 'Was darf es sein?'
Sein oder nicht sein.
To be or not to be.
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