Translation of German word "sitzen" to English
sitzen
/zɪtzn̩/
Meaning
VerbTo be in a position in which the upper body is upright and supported by the buttocks.
How to use
The strong verb sitzen ('to sit / be seated') is intransitive and denotes static position, requiring the dative case (answers wo? / where, e.g., Ich sitze auf dem Stuhl — I sit on the chair). Conjugation: sitzt, saß, hat/ist gesessen. It contrasts with the transitive action verb setzen ('to seat', requires accusative).
🇬🇧 English
to sit
Example
Nach einem langen Wandertag tat es gut, einfach nur zu sitzen und zu entspannen.
After a long day of hiking, it felt good to just sit and relax.
Du bist mit der Suppe fertig, wenn du den ganzen Abend regungslos dasitzt!
You're done with soup if you sit motionless all evening!
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- im Gefängnis sitzen— to sit in prison / jail (dative location)
- sitzen lassen— to leave someone in the lurch / abandon (requires accusative, idiom)
- am Tisch sitzen— to sit at the table (dative location)
This concept in other languages
📖 Related grammar
🦊 Conjugation of the verb "sitzen"Full conjugation →
Present Tense (Präsens)
Simple Past (Präteritum)
Perfect (Perfekt)
ich habe gesessen
Imperative (Imperativ)
Frequency rank: #284 in German
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of the German word "sitzen"?▼
The German word "sitzen" is defined as: "To be in a position in which the upper body is upright and supported by the buttocks."
What does the German word "sitzen" mean?▼
The German word "sitzen" means "to sit" in English.
How do you pronounce the German word "sitzen"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "sitzen" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "sitzen"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Ich sitze am Tisch." (which translates as "After a long day of hiking, it felt good to just sit and relax.").
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