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How to Say ‘To be honest’ in German

Ehrlich sein

AIR-likh zine

[AIR-likh zine]

💬 Usage Tip: The h in ehrlich is silent; it just lengthens the vowel: (AIR-likh).

Phrase Breakdown

Ehrlich

[AIR-likh]

honest

Adjective describing someone who tells the truth and is sincere.

Example

Sie ist eine ehrliche Person.

She is an honest person.

sein

[zine]

Infinitive of the verb 'to be'.

Example

Du musst pünktlich sein.

You have to be on time.

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