jemand
someone
Refers to an unspecified person.
EXAMPLE
Jemand hat an der Tür geklingelt.
Someone rang the doorbell.
jemand
someone
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Meanings
jemand sein
to be somebody
To be a respected, important, or particularly successful person.
EXAMPLE
Seit seinem großen Erfolg gilt er in der Filmbranche als jemand.
Since his great success, he has been considered somebody in the film industry.
Usage tips
Relative clause
After 'jemand' (someone), a relative clause can describe the unknown person in more detail. The relative pronoun is normally singular and often begins with 'der' (who).
EXAMPLE
Wir suchen jemanden, der uns beim Umzug helfen kann.
We are looking for someone who can help us move.
Context clue
When 'jemand' (someone) is accompanied by a more specific description, it usually refers to an unknown person. In expressions with 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become) and a field such as politics, art, or sports, however, it can refer to status and success.
EXAMPLE
Jemand aus unserem Kurs hat den Schlüssel gefunden.
Someone from our course found the key.
Typical modifiers
'Jemand' (someone) is often described more precisely by phrases such as 'aus der Nachbarschaft' (from the neighborhood), 'mit Erfahrung' (with experience), or 'zum Reden' (to talk to), or by 'anders' (else).
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Projekt brauchen wir jemanden mit guten Computerkenntnissen.
For this project, we need someone with good computer skills.
Typical collocations
This meaning appears especially in the patterns 'in einer Branche jemand sein' (to be somebody in an industry), 'endlich jemand sein' (to finally be somebody), and 'sich für jemanden halten' (to think oneself somebody). The last pattern often sounds critical and suggests an exaggerated sense of one's own importance.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Erfolg seines Romans hält er sich für jemanden.
Since the success of his novel, he has thought himself somebody.
Compare with
jemand vs man
one / you
Man and jemand can refer to a person without specifying exactly who. However, man expresses a general recommendation or rule, while jemand refers to a particular but still unknown person. Use man for all comparable cases and jemand when a single person taking action is sought or meant.
jemand
Jemand sollte die Tür nach dem Eintreten schließen.
Someone should close the door after entering.
man
Man sollte die Tür nach dem Eintreten schließen.
You should close the door after entering.
In real life
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