antworte mir
The English phrase 'answer me' is translated into German as antworte mir.
This phrase is used as a request or a command for someone to provide a response to a question or a statement.
What does it mean word for word?
The word mir means 'me'. It is the dative case of ich (I), which is required because the verb antworten takes a dative object.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form antworte mir is the singular imperative used when addressing one person informally. If you are addressing two or more people informally, use the plural imperative antwortet mir. To address one or more people formally, use the polite imperative antworten Sie mir.
Did you know?
- The word mir in some German dialects can actually mean 'we' instead of 'me'. This occurs due to an ancient linguistic quirk where the words for 'we' and 'me' merged together through the way people spoke.
- The verb antworten is used for verbal replies, but if you are replying to an email or letter, Germans often use the verb beantworten.
- While antworte mir is a direct command, Germans often soften such requests by adding the word bitte to avoid sounding aggressive.
Examples in context
- Antworte mir, wenn ich mit dir rede!Answer me when I'm talking to you!This sentence is useful for showing how to use antworte mir when someone is not listening.Tatoeba #8357903 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2987888 by Hybrid
- Antworte mir!Answer me!Tatoeba #2190067 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2169618 by Hybrid
- Antworte mir nicht!Don't answer me back.This sentence demonstrates a negative command using antworte mir.Tatoeba #773960 by BraveSentry, translation #250108 by U2FS
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas is trying to get Sarah's attention on the phone.
- LukasSarah, bitte antworte mir!Sarah, please answer me!
- SarahIch habe gerade viel zu tun, Lukas.I am very busy right now, Lukas.
- LukasAber ich brauche eine Antwort.But I need an answer.
- SarahGut, ich antworte dir später.Fine, I will answer you later.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
