alles
everything · all
Means 'everything' or 'all'. It is used to refer to things in general, not people. Germans use it very often in everyday phrases like 'alles klar' (all right/okay).
What alles means
- everything — referring to all things, no exceptions
- all — often with 'was' to mean 'all that' or 'everything that'
Heard in real German videos
Lines where alles was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Das ist alles so lecker.It's all so delicious.
- Nun ist eben alles wieder beim Alten.Now everything is back to normal again.
- Patrick, ist alles klar bei dir?Patrick, are you okay?
Example sentences
- Alles ist möglich.Everything is possible.
- Ich habe alles verstanden.I understood everything.
- Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!All the best for your birthday!
- Das ist alles.That's all.
Grammar
| Type | indefinite pronoun |
|---|---|
| Usage | refers to things, not people |
| Case | nominative/accusative |
Use 'alle' for people (everyone), 'alles' for things (everything).
Common phrases
- alles klarall right / okay
- alles Guteall the best
- vor allemabove all / especially
- trotz allemdespite everything
- alles in allemall in all
The mistake English speakers make
Using 'alles' for people. Say 'alle' for everyone: 'Alle sind da.' not 'Alles sind da.'
Don’t confuse it with
- alle — 'Alle' means 'all' or 'everyone' for people, while 'alles' means 'everything' for things.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'alles' and 'alle'?
'Alles' means 'everything' (things), 'alle' means 'all' or 'everyone' (people). Example: 'Alles ist gut.' (Everything is fine.) vs. 'Alle sind da.' (Everyone is here.)
How do you say 'all the best' in German?
You say 'Alles Gute!' It is used for birthdays and other celebrations.
What does 'alles klar' mean?
It means 'all right' or 'okay'. It can be a question ('Alles klar?') or a statement ('Alles klar.').