AUXILIARY VERB
sein/zaɪ̯n/to be (subjunctive II); would be
sein is a German auxiliary verb that means to be (subjunctive II) or would be. It is pronounced /zaɪ̯n/.
Definitions
1.used to express hypothetical or unreal situations, wishes, or polite requests (would be)(auxiliary, subjunctive II)
a.describing an unreal condition
Wenn ich reich wäre, würde ich um die Welt reisen.—If I were rich, I would travel around the world.
b.expressing polite requests or wishes
Es wäre schön, wenn du mir helfen könntest.—It would be nice if you could help me.
Frequently asked questions
- What does "sein" mean in English?
- "sein" means to be (subjunctive II) or would be. It is a German auxiliary verb.
- How do you pronounce "sein"?
- "sein" is pronounced /zaɪ̯n/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
- What part of speech is "sein"?
- "sein" is a auxiliary verb in German.
