01
stehen
to stand
To be in an upright position on one's feet.
example
Wir mussten im Bus die ganze Zeit stehen.
We had to stand the whole time on the bus.
stehen
to stand
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Verb of position
'Stehen' (to stand) is a verb of position, not a verb of movement. It answers the question 'Wo?' (Where?) and is therefore used with prepositions that require the dative.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch steht im Regal.
The book is on the shelf.
Auxiliary verb in the perfect tense
The perfect tense of 'stehen' (to stand) is formed with 'haben' in standard German. In some regions of southern Germany and in Austria, you also hear 'sein', but 'haben' is always correct.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe eine Stunde im Stau gestanden.
I was stuck in traffic for an hour.
Context clue
You distinguish the basic meanings by the subject: people or animals 'stehen' (stand) on their feet or legs. Objects that have a vertical form (e.g., bottles, glasses, towers) can also 'stehen' (stand).
EXAMPLE
Die Kühe stehen auf der Weide.
The cows are standing in the pasture.
Typical use
When it comes to written information, 'stehen' (to say / to be written) is used very frequently. It often appears with 'es' as the subject and a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that).
EXAMPLE
Es steht auf der Website, dass das Geschäft heute geschlossen ist.
It says on the website that the store is closed today.
Dative construction
When clothing or a color suits someone, you use 'stehen' (to suit) with a dative object. The person it looks good on is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Das rote Kleid steht dir ausgezeichnet.
The red dress suits you excellently.
Fixed preposition
In the symbolic meaning, 'stehen' (to stand) is always used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative. The structure is: 'etwas/jemand steht für etwas' (something/someone stands for something).
EXAMPLE
Die Farbe Grün steht für Hoffnung und Natur.
The color green stands for hope and nature.
Fixed preposition
To express loyalty or support, 'stehen' (to stand) is used with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. The structure is: 'zu jemandem/etwas stehen' (to stand by someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Ein guter Freund steht auch in schwierigen Situationen zu dir.
A good friend stands by you even in difficult situations.
Fixed expression
The expression 'zur Verfügung stehen' (to be available) is a formal way to say that you are available or ready to help. The person you are helping is in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der Kundenservice steht Ihnen rund um die Uhr zur Verfügung.
Customer service is available to you around the clock.
Compare with
stehen vs liegen
to lie / be located
'stehen' and 'liegen' both describe the position someone or something is in. They often form a contrast: with 'stehen', a person or object is upright. With 'liegen', something is horizontal or resting on a surface. Learners can easily confuse the words because both can also be connected with a location. What matters is the shape or posture: a bottle 'steht' on the table if it is upright. If it has fallen over, it 'liegt' on the table.
stehen
Beim Konzert stehen viele Leute vor der Bühne.
At the concert, many people are standing in front of the stage.
liegen
Nach dem Essen liegt das Messer noch auf dem Küchentisch.
After the meal, the knife is still lying on the kitchen table.
In real life
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