AdverbA1

auch

also, too · even · really, indeed

A very common word meaning 'also' or 'too'. It is used to add something to what was said before, or to express agreement. It can also add emphasis in questions or statements.

What auch means

  1. also, too — when adding something or someone to a previous statement
  2. even — in phrases like 'auch wenn' (even if), and sometimes used alone for emphasis, e.g. 'Auch du kannst das' (Even you can do that)
  3. really, indeed — in questions to express doubt or seek confirmation, e.g. 'Bist du auch müde?' (Are you really tired?)

Heard in real German videos

Lines where auch was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.

  • Magst du auch wirklich Käse, George?Do you really like cheese, George?
  • Könnte ich doch auch schwimmen?Could I swim too?
  • Und machen sie auch Spiele?And do they also make games?

Example sentences

  • Ich komme auch mit.I'm coming along too.
  • Das ist auch gut.That's good too.
  • Auch wenn es regnet, gehen wir spazieren.Even if it rains, we'll go for a walk.
  • Bist du auch zufrieden?Are you really satisfied?

Common phrases

  • auch nichtnot either, neither
  • auch wenneven if
  • was auch immerwhatever
  • wer auch immerwhoever
  • wann auch immerwhenever

The mistake English speakers make

English speakers often place 'auch' at the beginning of a sentence like 'also' in English, but in German it usually comes after the verb or subject. For example, say 'Ich auch' not 'Auch ich' unless you want to emphasize 'I' specifically.

Don’t confuse it with

  • ebenfalls — 'Ebenfalls' is more formal and often used in written German or polite speech, while 'auch' is neutral and used in all contexts.
  • sogar — 'Sogar' means 'even' in the sense of 'surprisingly' or 'to an extreme degree', while 'auch' means 'also' or 'too'.

Questions learners ask

What is the difference between 'auch' and 'ebenfalls'?

'Auch' is the common word for 'also' or 'too' and is used in everyday speech. 'Ebenfalls' is more formal and often used in written German or polite contexts.

Where do you put 'auch' in a sentence?

Usually 'auch' comes after the conjugated verb or after the subject. For example: 'Ich habe auch einen Hund.' (I also have a dog.) But it can be moved for emphasis.

Can 'auch' mean 'even'?

Yes, in combinations like 'auch wenn' (even if), and sometimes alone for emphasis, e.g. 'Auch er kann das' (Even he can do that). Note that 'auch nicht' means 'not either' or 'neither', not 'not even' (which is 'nicht einmal'). Alone, it usually means 'also' or 'too'.