If you want to know how to say from in German, the correct preposition depends on the meaning. Use aus for origin, material, or coming out of something; von for a person, source, or general origin; and ab for a starting time or date.
“From” in German is often aus or von. Ich komme aus Japan means “I come from Japan,” while Das Geschenk ist von Anna means “The gift is from Anna.”
How Do You Say From in German?
German has several ways to translate from. Aus often shows where someone comes from or what something is made of. Von shows a person or source. Ab marks the beginning of a schedule or period.
These prepositions take different grammatical cases, so learn them together with their common patterns. For location after arriving, compare in in German; a city example appears in Berlin in German.
Meaning: From, depending on context
Different German Words for From
Choose the preposition based on origin, source, time, or duration.
1. Aus — From / Out of
Aus is used for countries and cities of origin, movement out of a place, and materials. Ich komme aus Kanada means “I come from Canada.”
2. Von — From / By
Von is used for people, sources, and movement away from a point. Ein Brief von Maria means “A letter from Maria.”
3. Ab — From a time
Ab means “from” when stating the starting point of a schedule or period. Ab Montag means “from Monday onward.”
4. Seit — Since / For
Seit means “since” or “for” when an action began in the past and continues now. Ich wohne seit 2020 hier means “I have lived here since 2020.”
From in German: Quick Comparison
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| German | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| aus | from / out of | Origin, place, material |
| von | from / by | Person or source |
| ab | from | Starting time or date |
| seit | since / for | Continuing duration |
How to Pronounce Aus and Von
Aus sounds like owss, with a diphthong like “ow.” Von sounds approximately like fohn; the German v is pronounced like English “f.”
Example Sentences Using From in German
Use: Stating country of origin.
Use: Identifying a person as the source.
Use: Marking a starting date.
Frequently Asked Questions About From in German
Tap a question below to see the answer.
How do you say from in German?
Use aus, von, or ab depending on the context.
What is the difference between aus and von?
Aus commonly marks origin from a place or material. Von commonly marks a person or source.
How do you say from Monday in German?
Say ab Montag.
How do you say from Japan in German?
Say aus Japan.
What does seit mean?
Seit means “since” or “for” for an action that continues to the present.
Summary: How to Say From in German
The German translation of from depends on context. Use aus for origin or “out of,” von for a person or source, ab for a starting time, and seit for “since.”
