I'm learning Deutsch

seine — meaning in English: his

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for his
jungs
sorgen
uns
seine
werde
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn German for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use 'seine' in everyday conversations, particularly when discussing possessions or relationships. For example, you might hear a parent telling their child, 'Das ist sein Spielzeug,' meaning 'That is his toy,' during playtime, or in a more formal setting like a business meeting when referring to a colleague's work, saying 'Das ist seine Präsentation,' meaning 'That is his presentation.'
Synonyms & nuances
'Seine' specifically refers to masculine subjects and is used when the owner is male. In contrast, 'ihre' is the equivalent for female owners, and 'sein' is the neuter form. Choosing 'seine' is essential when indicating possession by a male individual, ensuring clarity in communication.
Culture
'Seine' is derived from the Old High German word 'sine,' which also meant 'his.' This reflects the deep roots of the German language and its evolution over centuries. Interestingly, the possessive pronouns in German not only indicate ownership but also resonate with the language's gender system, showcasing how language can reflect cultural nuances.
FAQ
Q.How do I use 'seine' in a sentence?
'Seine' is used as a possessive pronoun before a masculine noun. For example, you could say, 'Das ist seine Katze,' meaning 'That is his cat.' Remember to match it with the gender of the noun it refers to.
Q.What is the difference between 'seine' and 'sein'?
'Seine' is the possessive form used with masculine nouns, while 'sein' is the base form meaning 'his.' Use 'seine' when you describe something owned by a male person, like 'seine Schuhe' (his shoes).
Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'seine'?
A common mistake is confusing 'seine' with 'ihr,' which means 'her.' Ensure you’re using 'seine' only for masculine nouns to avoid errors and maintain clarity.
Learn german with Maspeak →
German 500