bist du fertig?
The German phrase for "are you done?" is bist du fertig?
This phrase is used to ask if someone has completed a specific task or activity. Note that in a colloquial context, the related expression fertig sein can also mean that a person is exhausted or wiped out rather than simply having finished a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The word fertig literally means "ready" or "finished".
Which one should you use?
You may also hear Bist du schon durch?, which translates to "Are you already through?" and is used informally to ask if someone has completed their work or a task.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a single person informally, use Bist du fertig? When addressing a group of people, use Seid ihr fertig? In formal settings, use Sind Sie fertig?
When do people say it?
If someone asks if you are finished, a standard way to respond is Ja, ich bin fertig. If you are still working, you can say Nein, noch nicht. to mean "No, not yet."
Did you know?
- The term fertig evolved from the Middle High German fertec, which was derived from the noun for 'journey'.
- The word fertig is a cognate of the Dutch word vaardig, which can also mean 'skillful' or 'capable'.
- If you are in a restaurant and want to say you are done eating, using fertig is common, but in some contexts, it can sound slightly abrupt or impatient compared to other polite phrasing.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, sind Sie fertig mit Ihrem Projekt?Excuse me, are you done with your project?
- Bist du fertig mit dem Essen?Are you done with the food?
- Sind Sie bereits durch mit der Arbeit?Have you finished with the work?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, fertig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
