01
geboren
born
Describes the beginning of a person’s or animal’s life; often used to state the place or date of birth.
example
Albert Einstein wurde 1879 in Ulm geboren.
Albert Einstein was born in Ulm in 1879.
geboren
born
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Geboren' (born) is the past participle of the verb 'gebären' (to give birth). It is usually used like an adjective to give information about birth.
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter ist in einem kleinen Dorf geboren.
My grandmother was born in a small village.
Sentence structure with 'sein' or 'werden'
To state the place or date of birth, 'geboren' (born) is used with a form of 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become). The form with 'wurde' is very common in written texts, while 'ist' is often used in spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Sie wurde am 3. Mai in Hamburg geboren.
She was born on May 3 in Hamburg.
Fixed expression
The structure 'ein geborener [Nomen]' (a born [noun]) describes an innate talent. The word 'geboren' is not declined in this fixed expression.
EXAMPLE
Er kann jedem alles verkaufen, er ist ein geborener Verkäufer.
He can sell anything to anyone; he is a born salesman.
Formal use
To give a person's birth name, the declined form 'geborene' (née/born) is used. In official documents or announcements, this is often abbreviated as 'geb.'.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Direktorin ist Frau Müller, geborene Schmidt.
The new director is Ms. Müller, née Schmidt.
Compare with
geboren vs berufen
to appoint / invoke
'geboren' and 'berufen' can both have to do with a special role in life, but they mean very different things. In 'ein geborener Lehrer' (a born teacher), 'geboren' describes that someone is naturally very well suited to this role. 'berufen', on the other hand, means that someone is officially appointed to an important office or position, for example at a university. Learners may confuse the words because both can appear in sentences about professions or roles. Remember: 'geboren' describes a natural talent; 'berufen' describes an official decision.
geboren
Frau Becker ist eine geborene Lehrerin, weil sie alles ruhig und klar erklärt.
Ms. Becker is a born teacher because she explains everything calmly and clearly.
berufen
Die Universität hat den Forscher auf eine Professur berufen.
The university appointed the researcher to a professorship.
In real life
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