sicher
sure, certain · safe, secure
Means 'sure', 'certain', or 'safe'. As an adjective it describes certainty or safety; as an adverb it often means 'surely' or 'probably'. Germans use it very frequently to express confidence or to reassure.
What sicher means
- sure, certain — when you are convinced something is true
- safe, secure — when describing something free from danger
Heard in real German videos
Lines where sicher was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Bist du dir sicher, Blue?Are you sure, Blue?
- Ich bin sicher, das ist mein Vater.I'm sure that's my father.
- Hm, da bin ich nicht sicher.Hm, I'm not sure.
Example sentences
- Ich bin sicher, dass er kommt.I am sure that he is coming.
- Bist du dir sicher?Are you sure?
- Das ist ein sicherer Ort.This is a safe place.
- Er fährt sehr sicher.He drives very safely.
Grammar
| Comparative | sicherer |
|---|---|
| Superlative | am sichersten |
When used with 'sein' to mean 'to be sure', it is often followed by 'dass' or a dependent clause.
Common phrases
- sicher seinto be sure
- ganz sicherabsolutely sure
- auf Nummer sicher gehento play it safe
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often confuse 'sicher' with 'sicherlich'. 'Sicher' is primarily an adjective meaning 'sure' or 'safe', but can also be used as an adverb meaning 'surely' or 'safely'. 'Sicherlich' is only an adverb meaning 'surely' or 'certainly'.
Don’t confuse it with
- sicherlich — Sicherlich is an adverb meaning 'surely' or 'certainly'. Sicher can be an adjective meaning 'sure' or 'safe', or an adverb meaning 'surely' or 'safely'.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'sicher' and 'sicherlich'?
'Sicher' is an adjective meaning 'sure' or 'safe', and can also be used as an adverb meaning 'surely'. 'Sicherlich' is only an adverb and means 'surely' or 'certainly', often expressing a high degree of probability.
How do you say 'I am sure' in German?
You say 'Ich bin sicher' or 'Ich bin mir sicher'. The latter is more common and emphasizes personal certainty.
Can 'sicher' mean 'safe'?
Yes, 'sicher' can mean 'safe' or 'secure' when describing something free from danger, e.g., 'ein sicherer Ort' (a safe place).