SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Go Shopping

German Phrase

Ich glaube, ich finde was Besseres.

/ɪç ˈɡlaʊbə, ɪç ˈfɪndə vas ˈbɛsɐəs/
Meaning"I think I'll find something better."
💡

Meaning

The speaker expresses a tentative belief that they will discover something better, often in the context of a job, a product, or a personal situation. The phrase conveys optimism while acknowledging uncertainty.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence when you are looking for an improvement over your current situation—e.g., searching for a better job, a more suitable apartment, or a higher‑quality product—and want to share your hopeful outlook with a conversation partner.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichglaube,ichfindewasBesseres.

1

Verb Position (V2)

In main clauses, the finite verb occupies the second position; 'glaube' follows the subject 'Ich'.

2

Comma Rule

A comma separates the main clause from the subordinate clause introduced by 'ich glaube'.

3

Indefinite Pronoun + Comparative as Noun

'was Besseres' uses the indefinite pronoun 'was' with the comparative adjective 'besser' turned into a neuter noun, which is capitalized.

4

Capitalization of Nominalized Adjectives

When an adjective functions as a noun, it is capitalized: 'Besseres'.

5

Verb 'finden' with Accusative Object

'finden' takes a direct object in the accusative case; here the object is the phrase 'was Besseres'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich bin mit meinem alten Handy nicht mehr zufrieden.

I'm no longer satisfied with my old phone.

Ich glaube, ich finde was Besseres.

I think I'll find something better.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich glaube, ich finde was besseres.

    The adjective is nominalized and must be capitalized.

  • Ich glaube ich finde was Besseres.

    A comma is required to separate the two main clauses.

  • Ich glaube, ich finde was Besseres.

    In formal contexts 'etwas' is preferred over the colloquial 'was'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich denke, ich finde etwas Besseres.

    I think I'll find something better.

  • Ich bin mir sicher, dass ich etwas Besseres finde.

    I'm sure I'll find something better.

  • Vielleicht finde ich etwas Besseres.

    Maybe I'll find something better.

de

Cultural Tip

The construction 'was Besseres' is colloquial and common in spoken German. In more formal writing you would prefer 'etwas Besseres'. Also, remember that the comparative adjective becomes a noun and must be capitalized, which is a frequent source of errors for learners.