Selbst Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Selbst" is mainly used as pronoun meaning "myself", "yourself" or "himself". It is also used as adverb, adjective and particle.

Essential properties of "selbst"

Its most important properties are:

Meanings of "selbst" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "By oneself, in person"

"Selbst", when used with this meaning, acts as pronoun.

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Ich habe das selbst gemacht.I did that myself.
  2. Sie war selbst überrascht von ihrem Erfolg.She herself was surprised by her success.
  3. Er hat sich selbst verletzt.He injured himself.

2.) "Even, emphasizing exceptional cases"

"Selbst", when used with this meaning, acts as adverb.

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Selbst er konnte das Problem nicht lösen.Even he couldn't solve the problem.
  2. Selbst wenn es regnet, werde ich kommen.Even if it rains, I will come.
  3. Sie kam selbst dann, als es schon spät war.She came even then, when it was already late.

3.) "Independent, autonomous"

"Selbst", when used with this meaning, acts as adjective.

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Er ist ein selbstständiger Unternehmer.He is a self-employed entrepreneur.
  2. Die Kinder werden immer selbstständiger.The children are becoming more and more independent.
  3. Sie lebt ein selbstständiges Leben.She lives an independent life.

4.) "Emphasizes the identity of a person or thing"

"Selbst", when used with this meaning, acts as particle.

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Der Direktor selbst begrüßte die Gäste.The director himself greeted the guests.
  2. Selbst die Kinder waren vernünftiger als er.Even the children were more reasonable than him.
  3. Selbst der Bürgermeister war anwesend.Even the mayor was present.
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