Translation of German word "etwas" to English
etwas
/ɛtvas/
Meaning
NounAn uncertain or unspecified thing; one thing.
How to use
Etwas is used to refer to an unspecified or unknown thing. It can also be used to refer to a thing in a general sense. A common mistake is to confuse it with 'etwas' used as an adverb.
🇬🇧 English
something
Example
Ich muss vergessen haben, etwas einzupacken, aber ich weiß nicht, was.
I must have forgotten to pack something, but I don't know what.
Ich habe etwas für dich in meiner Tasche.
I have something for you in my bag.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- etwas tun— to do something
- etwas sagen— to say something
- etwas haben— to have something
More Articles & Pronouns words
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📖 Related grammar
Frequency rank: #49 in German
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of the German word "etwas"?▼
The German word "etwas" is defined as: "An uncertain or unspecified thing; one thing."
What does the German word "etwas" mean?▼
The German word "etwas" means "something" in English.
How do you pronounce the German word "etwas"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "etwas" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "etwas"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Ich muss vergessen haben, etwas einzupacken, aber ich weiß nicht, was." (which translates as "I must have forgotten to pack something, but I don't know what.").
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