The German word for “it” is often es when it refers to a neuter noun or is used impersonally. German pronouns follow grammatical gender, however: a masculine noun is referred to as er, a feminine noun as sie, and a neuter noun as es.
it = es for neuter nouns and impersonal expressions
For other nouns, use er (masculine) or sie (feminine).
Meaning and Pronunciation
Es is pronounced approximately ess. It is the subject pronoun for a singular neuter noun, and it also appears in common impersonal phrases. In other grammatical cases, the pronoun may change; for example, the dative form is ihm.
Meaning: it (for neuter nouns); impersonal “it”
German Grammatical Gender
German uses grammatical gender for all nouns. The pronoun depends on the noun’s gender, not whether the thing is a person. The same gender distinction determines ein or eine. For example, der Tisch (“the table”) is masculine and takes er; die Lampe (“the lamp”) is feminine and takes sie; das Buch (“the book”) is neuter and takes es.
| Noun | Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|
| der Tisch (masculine) | er | Er ist neu. — It is new. |
| die Lampe (feminine) | sie | Sie ist hell. — It is bright. |
| das Buch (neuter) | es | Es ist interessant. — It is interesting. |
Impersonal Es
Es is also used in expressions where English uses “it” as a general subject, such as talking about the weather or time.
- Es regnet. — It is raining.
- Es ist kalt. — It is cold.
- Es ist spät. — It is late.
Different Ways to Use it
Core Meaning and Context
The central translation introduced above is the best place to start, but always read the surrounding sentence before choosing a word. A dictionary entry gives a useful equivalent; context shows which sense the speaker intends. Notice the subject, the action, and the words immediately before and after it. These clues help distinguish a literal meaning from a familiar phrase, and they prevent a translation from sounding awkward. When a word has more than one sense, compare the full examples rather than memorizing a single English gloss.
Common Sentence Patterns
Learn it as part of a short phrase instead of memorizing it alone. Pay attention to word order, articles, particles, verb forms, or grammatical endings in the examples. A form that works before one kind of word may need to change in another sentence. When you make your own example, keep the pattern simple and replace only one detail at a time; this makes it easier to see how the expression behaves. Reusing a complete pattern is usually more reliable than translating each word independently.
Choosing the Right Tone
Language choices also depend on who is speaking and the situation. A phrase used with friends may feel too casual in a work email, while a formal expression can sound stiff in relaxed conversation. The examples on this page show practical usage, but local habits vary by region and community. If you are unsure, choose a neutral expression and listen to how fluent speakers use it in comparable situations. The relationship between speakers can matter as much as the dictionary definition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is translating each English word separately and keeping English word order. Instead, identify the whole idea first, then use the natural construction in german. Also check spelling marks, capitalization, gender, number, and pronunciation where relevant. Read the complete sentence aloud once you have chosen a form. If it does not fit the context or sounds unlike the examples, revisit the meaning rather than forcing a direct one-to-one match. Keep a note of the phrase and its context so you can recognize when it applies again.
it in german: Quick Comparison
Use this quick guide to select the expression that fits the situation. The central translation is a useful starting point, while grammar and context determine the natural form.
| Situation | Check | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | The sense described above | Start with the direct equivalent. |
| Full phrase | Grammar and surrounding words | Match the complete construction. |
| Conversation | Relationship and formality | Choose a natural tone. |
| Writing | Spelling and standard form | Use the conventional written version. |
How to Pronounce it
Use the pronunciation guide and audio button near the top of the article. First listen without speaking, then repeat the word slowly and at a natural speed. Finally, practice it inside one of the example sentences. This last step matters because speech rhythm and neighboring sounds can change how a word feels when it is spoken naturally. Focus on the syllables and vowel sounds shown in the guide instead of relying only on English spelling.
For a short practice routine, say the word once by itself, repeat the complete phrase, and then use it in a new sentence. Keep the rhythm smooth; stressing every syllable equally can make a phrase sound unnatural. Listening and repeating the full example helps connect pronunciation with meaning and grammar.
Examples
- Das Kind spielt. Es ist fröhlich. — The child is playing. It is happy.
- Wo ist das Buch? Es liegt auf dem Tisch. — Where is the book? It is on the table.
- Ich sehe das Auto. Ich sehe es. — I see the car. I see it.
Frequently Asked Questions About It in German
Tap a question below to see the answer.
Does it always translate as es?
No. Use er for masculine nouns and sie for feminine nouns; es is for neuter nouns and some impersonal phrases.
How do you say “it is raining”?
Say Es regnet.
What is the dative form of es?
The dative form is ihm.
Summary: It in German
Es is “it” for neuter nouns and impersonal phrases. Since German nouns have grammatical gender, “it” can also be er or sie depending on the noun.
