die Leute
people · guys, folks, everyone
Die Leute is the common German word for 'people' in general, used only in the plural. It refers to a group of persons without specifying gender, and is also used informally to address a group, like 'guys' or 'folks'.
What Leute means
- people — General term for a group of persons, often unspecified.
- guys, folks, everyone — Informal address to a group of people.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where Leute was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Wo stecken denn die ganzen Leute?Where is everybody hiding?
- Geschenke für die Leute.Presents for the people.
Example sentences
- Die Leute warten auf den Bus.The people are waiting for the bus.
- Viele Leute mögen Pizza.Many people like pizza.
- Leute, kommt mal her!Guys, come here!
- Was werden die Leute denken?What will people think?
Grammar
| Type | plural only |
|---|---|
| Plural | die Leute |
| Genitive | der Leute |
| Dative | den Leuten |
| Accusative | die Leute |
Leute has no singular form; use 'der Mensch' or 'die Person' for one person.
Common phrases
- die Leutethe people
- viele Leutemany people
- die ganzen Leuteall the people, everybody
- Leute!Guys! / Folks!
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often try to use 'Leute' with a singular verb or add an 's' for plural, but 'Leute' is already plural and takes plural verb forms.
Don’t confuse it with
- Menschen — Menschen means 'human beings' and can be used in singular 'der Mensch'; Leute is only plural and more colloquial for 'people'.
- Personen — Personen is more formal and often used in official contexts, while Leute is everyday language.
Questions learners ask
Is 'Leute' singular or plural?
Leute is always plural. There is no singular form; use 'der Mensch' or 'die Person' for one person.
How do you say 'people' in German?
The most common word is 'die Leute' (plural only). 'Menschen' is also used, especially when emphasizing human beings.
Can 'Leute' mean 'guys'?
Yes, in informal address, 'Leute' is used like 'guys' or 'folks', e.g., 'Hallo Leute!' means 'Hi guys!'