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
stehen
to stand / be
To be located in a certain place (for objects).
EXAMPLE
Die Vase steht auf dem Tisch.
The vase is standing on the table.
stehen
to say / read
To be written.
EXAMPLE
In der E-Mail steht, dass das Treffen abgesagt wurde.
The email says that the meeting was canceled.
jemandem stehen
to suit someone
To suit or look good on someone (for clothing or colors).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Frisur steht dir wirklich gut.
The new hairstyle really suits you.
für etwas stehen
to stand for
To symbolize or represent something.
EXAMPLE
Die Taube steht für den Frieden.
The dove stands for peace.
zu jemandem/etwas stehen
to stand by
To support someone or a decision and remain loyal to them/it.
EXAMPLE
Auch in schweren Zeiten stehe ich zu dir.
Even in difficult times, I stand by you.
zur Verfügung stehen
to be available
To be available or ready.
EXAMPLE
Für weitere Fragen stehe ich Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung.
I am happy to be available for any further questions.
stehen
to be
To be in a certain state or situation.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen steht kurz vor dem Bankrott.
The company is on the verge of bankruptcy.
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 sein
to be
Sein states the location of an object neutrally. Stehen also states its location, but at the same time emphasizes that it is in a standing position. With suitable objects, both words are therefore often possible; stehen is more precise when the position matters.
stehen
Die Vase steht auf dem Tisch.
The vase is standing on the table.
sein
Die Vase ist auf dem Tisch.
The vase is on the table.
In real life
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