verb

wohnen

live

Es bedeutet, an einem bestimmten Ort zu leben oder zu bleiben, zum Beispiel in einem Haus oder einer Wohnung.

Definition & meaning

wohnen is a German verb meaning to live, to reside, or to dwell in a particular place.

It usually describes where someone has their home or accommodation:

Ich wohne in Berlin. — I live in Berlin.
Sie wohnt in einer kleinen Wohnung. — She lives in a small apartment.
Wir wohnen seit fünf Jahren hier. — We have lived here for five years.

Unlike the broader verb leben , wohnen focuses specifically on one’s place of residence or living arrangements.

Grammar & Word origin

Infinitive: wohnen
Verb type: regular, weak verb
Auxiliary verb: haben
Past participle: gewohnt
Simple past: wohnte
Present tense: ich wohne, du wohnst, er/sie wohnt

It is commonly used with a location introduced by in , bei , or auf :

in München wohnen — to live in Munich
bei den Eltern wohnen — to live with one’s parents
auf dem Land wohnen — to live in the countryside

The stem wohn- is related to die Wohnung , meaning “apartment” or “dwelling,” and wohnhaft , meaning “resident” or “domiciled.” The word comes from Old High German wonēn and is historically related to the idea of being accustomed to or settled in a place.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

leben — “to live”; broader than wohnen, since it can refer to being alive or to one’s lifestyle, not only one’s residence.
ansässig sein — “to be based or established”; more formal and often used for people, companies, or institutions that are permanently located somewhere.
residieren — “to reside”; formal or somewhat elevated, often used for officials, dignitaries, or institutions.
hausen — “to live or dwell”; often suggests poor, disorderly, or unpleasant living conditions and can therefore sound negative.