Dictionary
English - German
Were
wər
Extremely common
0 - 100
0 - 100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
waren, wäre, ware
Were meanings in German
waren
Example:
They were at the party last night.
Sie waren gestern Abend auf der Party.
We were friends in high school.
Wir waren in der Schule Freunde.
Usage: formal/informalContext: General conversation, describing past events
Note: Used to indicate the past tense of 'to be' in the plural form.
wäre
Example:
If I were you, I would go.
Wenn ich du wäre, würde ich gehen.
He wishes he were taller.
Er wünscht, er wäre größer.
Usage: formalContext: Conditional statements, expressing hypothetical situations
Note: Used in the subjunctive mood to express unreal or hypothetical conditions.
ware
Example:
These were his favorite books.
Das waren seine Lieblingsbücher.
Those were the days.
Das waren noch Zeiten.
Usage: formalContext: Describing something that previously existed or was true
Note: Used as a demonstrative pronoun to refer to things in the past.
Were's synonyms
Was
The past tense form of 'to be', used to indicate a state or condition in the past.
Example: She was tired after a long day at work.
Note: Both 'were' and 'was' are past tense forms of 'to be', but 'was' is used with singular subjects while 'were' is used with plural subjects.
Had been
The past perfect tense of 'to be', used to indicate an action that occurred before a certain point in the past.
Example: They had been waiting for hours before the concert started.
Note: While 'were' and 'had been' both refer to past actions, 'had been' specifically indicates an action that started in the past and continued up to a certain point in the past.
Used to be
Describes a past state or situation that was true in the past but is no longer true.
Example: He used to be a professional athlete before his injury.
Note: Unlike 'were', 'used to be' implies a change or transition from a previous state to a current state.
Were expressions, common phrases
If I were you
This phrase is used to give advice or make a suggestion to someone.
Example: If I were you, I would apologize to her.
Note: The original word 'were' is used for the past tense of 'are', while this phrase is a conditional statement.
We were made for each other
This phrase means two people are perfectly suited for each other.
Example: When we met, it felt like we were made for each other.
Note: The original word 'were' is a past tense form of 'are', while this phrase is about compatibility.
What were you thinking?
This phrase is used to express surprise or disapproval at someone's actions.
Example: What were you thinking when you decided to quit your job without a backup plan?
Note: The original word 'were' is a past tense form of 'are', while this phrase is a question about one's thoughts or actions.
If it were not for
This phrase is used to acknowledge someone's assistance or contribution.
Example: If it were not for your help, I wouldn't have been able to finish the project on time.
Note: The original word 'were' is used for the past tense of 'are', while this phrase introduces a conditional clause.
Were you born in a barn?
This phrase is a humorous way of telling someone to close the door because leaving it open is impolite.
Example: Close the door behind you! Were you born in a barn?
Note: The original word 'were' is a past tense form of 'are', while this phrase is a rhetorical question.
You were saying?
This phrase is used to prompt someone to continue or repeat what they were saying.
Example: You were saying something about your new job. Please continue.
Note: The original word 'were' is a past tense form of 'are', while this phrase is an invitation to continue a conversation.
If wishes were horses, beggars would ride
This phrase means that simply wishing for something won't make it happen; action is needed.
Example: I wish I could afford a new car, but as they say, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
Note: The original word 'were' is the past tense of 'are', while this phrase is a hypothetical statement.
Were everyday (slang) expressions
Werewolf
A werewolf is a mythical creature that is capable of transforming into a wolf or a humanwolf hybrid.
Example: I love watching movies about werewolves.
Note: The term 'werewolf' refers to a fictional creature, distinct from the original word 'were'.
Where
Where is used to ask about the location or place of something or someone.
Example: Where did you go last night?
Note: The slang term 'where' retains the basic meaning of the original word 'were'.
Wererabbit
Wererabbit combines the concepts of a rabbit and a werewolf, creating a funny mythical creature.
Example: The animation film featured a hilarious were-rabbit character.
Note: Similar to 'werewolf', 'wererabbit' is a fictional creation distinct from the original word 'were'.
Weren't
A contraction of 'were not', used in negative sentences and questions.
Example: You weren't at the party last night, were you?
Note: The slang term 'weren't' is a contraction with a specific grammatical usage, different from the base word 'were'.
Welfare
Welfare refers to governmental or organizational aid provided to individuals in need.
Example: Many families rely on welfare support during tough times.
Note: The slang term 'welfare' has evolved to refer to social support systems, distinct from the original word 'were'.
Were - Examples
We were at the park yesterday.
Wir waren gestern im Park.
They were happy to see us.
Sie waren glücklich, uns zu sehen.
The books were on the shelf.
Die Bücher waren im Regal.
I wish I were there with you.
Ich wünschte, ich wäre dort bei dir.
Were grammar
Were - Auxiliary (Auxiliary) / Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense)
Lemma: be
Conjugations
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): be
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): was, were
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): being
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): been
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): am, are
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): is
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Were Contains 1 syllables: were
Phonetic transcription:
were , (The red syllable is stressed)
Were - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Were: 0 - 100 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...