neu
new (not old, recently made or acquired) · new (recently appeared or started) · new (different from before)
Means 'new' in the sense of recently made, bought, or not used before. It is one of the most common adjectives and is used in everyday speech for anything from objects to ideas.
What neu means
- new (not old, recently made or acquired) — Most common meaning; used for objects, clothes, etc.
- new (recently appeared or started) — For things like a new job, new video, new idea.
- new (different from before) — When replacing something, e.g., a new address, new hairstyle.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where neu was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Das ist die neue Uniform der Krabbencrew.This is the new Crab Crew uniform.
- Ich gucke mir das neue Video von Sarah an.I'll watch Sarah's new video.
- Hier ist mein neues Zuhause.This is my new home.
Example sentences
- Ich habe ein neues Auto gekauft.I bought a new car.
- Sie hat eine neue Wohnung gefunden.She found a new apartment.
- Das ist die neueste Mode.That is the latest fashion.
- Er sucht einen neuen Job.He is looking for a new job.
Grammar
| Comparative | neuer |
|---|---|
| Superlative | am neuesten / neuest- |
Adjective endings change according to gender, case, and article: ein neuer Wagen, eine neue Tasche, ein neues Buch.
Common phrases
- neu seinto be new
- ganz neubrand new
- neu machento redo, make new
- auf dem neuesten Standup to date
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often forget to add the correct adjective ending: saying 'ein neu Auto' instead of 'ein neues Auto'. Remember that adjectives before nouns need endings that match gender, case, and article.
Don’t confuse it with
- frisch — frisch means 'fresh' (e.g., fresh bread, fresh air), while neu means 'new' in the sense of not old or not used before.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between neu and neue?
Neu is the base form. Neue is the inflected form used before feminine or plural nouns, or after certain articles. The ending changes according to gender, case, and article.
How do you say 'brand new' in German?
You can say 'ganz neu' or 'brandneu' (one word). Example: ein brandneues Auto.
What is the opposite of neu?
The opposite is 'alt' (old).