In German
warten
Meaning: to wait
Formal or informal? “Warten” means to wait. It's always used with “auf” plus an object: “auf den Bus warten” (to wait for the bus).
Example sentences
Ich warte auf den Bus.
I'm waiting for the bus.
Wartest du auf mich?
Are you waiting for me?
Sie wartet im Café.
She is waiting in the café.
Grammar note
Regular: ich warte, du wartest, er wartet, wir warten. The verb takes “auf” with the accusative: “auf den Bus”, “auf mich”.
Common mistake
Don't say “warten den Bus”. The verb needs “auf” with the object: “auf den Bus warten”.
Quick check
Which form is correct for “she waits” (sie)?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Which preposition goes with “warten”?
“Auf”, followed by the accusative: “auf den Bus”.
How do you say “wait a moment”?
“Warte kurz” (informal) or “Warten Sie kurz” (formal).