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German Phrase

Ich bin 1990 geboren.

/ɪç bɪn ˈnaʊntseːnˈhʊndɐtˈnɔɪntsɪç ɡəˈboːʁən/
Meaning"I was born in 1990."
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Meaning

This phrase is the standard way to state your birth year in German. It uses the present tense of 'sein' (to be) combined with the past participle 'geboren' (born). While English uses the past tense 'was born', German focuses on the current state of having been born.

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When to use

Use this when introducing yourself or sharing personal history in interviews, social conversations, or official documents. It is suitable for all levels of formality.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichbin1990geboren

1

Present Tense 'sein'

German uses 'ich bin' (I am) rather than 'ich war' (I was) to describe the fact of being born.

2

Word Order

The past participle 'geboren' always comes at the end of the main clause in this construction.

3

Years

In German, years are used as numbers without prepositions, unlike the English 'in 1990'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wann bist du geboren?

When were you born?

Ich bin 1990 geboren.

I was born in 1990.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich war 1990 geboren.

    German uses the present tense 'bin' instead of the past 'war' for this expression.

  • Ich bin in 1990 geboren.

    Do not use 'in' before a year in German; simply state the number or use the phrase 'im Jahr'.

↔Alternatives

  • Mein Geburtsjahr ist 1990.

    My year of birth is 1990.

  • Ich bin im Jahr 1990 geboren.

    I was born in the year 1990.

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Cultural Tip

When pronouncing years in German, you typically say 'nineteen hundred' (neunzehnhundert) followed by the specific year. It is also common to provide this information when asked 'Wann sind Sie geboren?' in professional or administrative settings.