etwas
something · some, a little · somewhat, a bit
Etwas means 'something' or 'a little' and is used to refer to an unspecified thing or a small amount. It is very common in everyday German and can also be used as an adverb meaning 'somewhat'.
What etwas means
- something — referring to an unspecified thing
- some, a little — referring to a small amount of something, often with uncountable nouns
- somewhat, a bit — used as an adverb before adjectives or adverbs
Heard in real German videos
Lines where etwas was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Ich hoffe, er fragt etwas über Karotten.I hope he asks something about carrots.
- Aber ich könnte so etwas nie.But I could never do something like that.
- Ich glaube wir haben etwas vergessen.I think we've forgotten something.
Example sentences
- Ich möchte etwas essen.I would like to eat something.
- Hast du etwas Geld für mich?Do you have some money for me?
- Das ist etwas teuer.That is a bit expensive.
- Er hat etwas Interessantes gesagt.He said something interesting.
Grammar
| Type | indefinite pronoun |
|---|---|
| Invariable | yes, no declension |
Etwas does not change form. When used with an adjective, the adjective is capitalized and takes the neuter singular ending -es, e.g. 'etwas Neues' (something new).
Common phrases
- so etwassomething like that
- etwas anderessomething else
- etwas Neuessomething new
- etwas zu essensomething to eat
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often confuse 'etwas' with 'was' in colloquial speech. In informal German, 'was' can replace 'etwas' (e.g., 'Ich brauche was' instead of 'Ich brauche etwas'), but 'etwas' is the standard form and should be used in formal writing.
Don’t confuse it with
- was — In colloquial German, 'was' is often used instead of 'etwas' to mean 'something', but 'was' is primarily the question word 'what'.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'etwas' and 'ein bisschen'?
Both can mean 'a little', but 'etwas' is more formal and can also mean 'something'. 'Ein bisschen' is more colloquial and only means 'a little'.
How do you use 'etwas' with adjectives?
When 'etwas' is followed by an adjective used as a noun, the adjective is capitalized and takes the neuter ending -es, e.g., 'etwas Gutes' (something good).
Can 'etwas' be used with plural nouns?
No, 'etwas' is used with singular nouns, usually uncountable ones, to mean 'some' or 'a little'. For plural nouns, use 'einige' or 'manche'.