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Key language Key words Key language Grammar note: Saying 'I need' Key language Cultural note


Sie is a very common word in German, and can have several meanings.

It can be used as the formal word for you. In this case Sie always begins with a capital letter and the verb will end with -en.
Wo wohnen Sie? Where do you live?
Brauchen Sie Benzin? Do you need petrol?

It can also mean she, or it when it refers to a feminine noun. In this case sie begins with a small letter, except at the beginning of a sentence, and the verb will end with -t.
Wo wohnt sie? Where does she live?
Braucht sie Benzin? Does she need some petrol?
Haben Sie eine Luftsäule? Have you got an air pump?
Ja, sie ist gleich links von der Einfahrt. Yes, it's just left of the entrance.

Finally, sie can be used to mean they. Again, it begins with a small letter, but the verb will end with -en.
Wo wohnen sie? Where are they living?
Brauchen sie Benzin? Do they need petrol?

See also...
Saying 'you'
Saying 'it'


Is it Sie or is it sie? Click on 'Start the activity' and use one of these words correctly to finish the sentence. You'll need to drag the right one into the gap.




1. Guess the Words 2. Re-arrange the dialogue 3. Build sentences 4. Speak and Write

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