so

Based on: *sen(e)-, *se-
Goethe A1 Particle
  1. this way, like that
  2. so, such
  3. this, as, that
1.

this way, like that

Opposite: wie
(Basically the most generic answer to "How?". NOT used in the English sense of "... and so I went home.")
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Examples
  • Wie?       So!
  • How?    That way/like that!
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2.

so, such

(To intensify adjectives ("soooo schön") or noun phrases ("such a"))
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Examples
  • Deutsch ist sooooo schwer.
  • German is sooo hard.
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3.

this, as, that

(In comparative statements, like "this big" or "as big as")
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Examples
  • "Wie groß ist Thomas?""SO groß."
  • "How tall is Thomas?""THAT tall."(making a hand gesture)
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Word Family

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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

The meanings of German “so”

A thorough look at the German "so", its various idiomatic uses in everyday German and the differences to English "so". With lots of audio examples.

Vocab: so, also, so so, so lala, geht so, sowieso, achso

Read article →

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How many meanings does the German word 'so' have?

so has 3 distinct meanings: 1. this way, like that, 2. so, such, 3. this, as, that.

What is 'so' related to?

The word 'so' is related to *sen(e)-, *se-.

Where can I learn more about 'so'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'so':

The meanings of German “so”
A thorough look at the German "so", its various idiomatic uses in everyday German and the differences to English "so". With lots of audio examples.
Vocab: so, also, so so, so lala, geht so, sowieso, achso
Read article