uns
us
Refers to the person speaking together with at least one other person. It is the accusative and dative form of „wir“ (we).
EXAMPLE
Die Nachbarin hat uns zum Abendessen eingeladen.
The neighbor invited us to dinner.
uns
us
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Meanings
uns
ourselves
Used as a reflexive pronoun when an action or state refers back to the people designated by „wir“ (we). It is also used with verbs that require a reflexive form.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns beim Wandern verlaufen.
We got lost while hiking.
uns
each other
Indicates that the people designated by „wir“ (we) do something to one another or are in a reciprocal relationship. It then means „einander“ (each other).
EXAMPLE
Wir schicken uns jeden Morgen gegenseitig eine Nachricht.
We send each other a message every morning.
unter uns
between us
Confidential and intended only for the people involved in the conversation; others should not find out about it.
EXAMPLE
Das bleibt aber unter uns: Ich werde nächsten Monat kündigen.
But keep this between us: I’m going to quit next month.
von uns aus
as far as we’re concerned
Indicates that the person speaking and the group they represent agree to something or have no objection to it.
EXAMPLE
Von uns aus könnt ihr die Fahrräder bis Montag behalten.
As far as we’re concerned, you can keep the bikes until Monday.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry uns, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | ich | wir |
| accusative | mich | uns |
| dative | mir | uns |
| genitive | meiner | unser |
Usage tips
Case function
„Uns“ (us) can have either an accusative or a dative function in a sentence. Which function it has can be determined from the verb or preposition; the form itself remains the same.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer hat uns für das Turnier ausgewählt.
The coach selected us for the tournament.
Die Ärztin hat uns zu mehr Ruhe geraten.
The doctor advised us to get more rest.
Reflexive use
With reflexive verbs, „uns“ (ourselves) is used when the action refers back to the group represented by „wir“ (we). The verb determines whether this reflexive use is required or possible.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns nach der langen Reise erst einmal ausgeruht.
After the long journey, we first took some time to rest.
Reciprocal action
In a reciprocal action, „uns“ (each other) refers to several people who do something for one another. The word „gegenseitig“ (mutually) can make this meaning even clearer.
EXAMPLE
Wir helfen uns gegenseitig bei den Vorbereitungen.
We help each other with the preparations.
Confidential expression
„Unter uns“ (between us) is a fixed expression for confidential information. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence or after a colon and signals that the information should not be passed on.
EXAMPLE
Unter uns: Wir sind mit dem Ergebnis noch nicht zufrieden.
Between us: We’re still not satisfied with the result.
Expressing agreement
„Von uns aus“ (as far as we’re concerned) is often used before granting permission or expressing agreement. It is frequently followed by a sentence with „können“ (can) or by a statement that something is acceptable to the group.
EXAMPLE
Von uns aus kann die Feier ruhig länger dauern.
As far as we’re concerned, the party can certainly go on longer.
In real life
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