sich benehmen
/zɪç bɛ.ˈneː.mɛn/word by word
To behave in German is sich benehmen.
The phrase means to act in a polite or proper way. It is frequently used as a command or a reprimand for children who are being naughty or disruptive.
Meaning: to act in a polite or proper way (verb)
Did you know?
- The verb benehmen is built from be- and nehmen, which means 'to take'. Literally, it describes the way one 'takes' or 'carries' themselves.
- The German language distinguishes between benehmen for social conduct and verhalten for general behavior or reactions in a situation.
- While sich benehmen means to behave properly, the noun Benimmregeln refers specifically to the rules of etiquette and table manners.
Examples in context
- Ich wünschte, Tom würde sich benehmen.I wish Tom would behave himself.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish regarding Tom's behavior using sich benehmen.Tatoeba #6466208 by wolfgangth, translation #4015327 by CK
- Ich wünschte, Sie würden sich benehmen.I wish you'd behave yourself.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish regarding your behavior using sich benehmen.Tatoeba #12744626 by Waldelfe, translation #11498240 by CK
- Ich sage ihr dauernd, sie soll sich benehmen.I'm constantly telling her to behave herself.This sentence is useful for describing the act of telling someone to behave using sich benehmen.Tatoeba #678216 by Manfredo, translation #308870 by CK
- Benehmen Sie sich bitteBehave yourself, please.
- Nehmen Sie sich zusammenPull yourself together.
- Betragen Sie sich ordentlichBehave properly.
- Reiß dich zusammenGet a hold of yourself.
- Sei anständigBe decent.
- Zeig mal Manieren!Show some manners!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah is reminding Lukas to act properly at a formal dinner.
- SarahBitte benehm dich heute Abend gut.Please behave yourself tonight.
- LukasWarum? Ich weiß doch, wie man sich benehmen muss.Why? I know how to behave.
- SarahDas letzte Mal warst du sehr laut.Last time you were very loud.
- LukasKeine Sorge, ich werde mich benehmen.Don't worry, I will behave.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “behave” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sich, Benehmen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries benehmen, sich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
