benimm dich
The English phrase "behave yourself" is translated into German as benimm dich.
The phrase is a command used to tell someone, often a child, to act in a polite and appropriate manner. In informal settings, you may also use Sei anständig to mean "be decent" or Benehme dich ordentlich to mean "behave properly".
What does it mean word for word?
benimm dich is a reflexive construction. benimm is the imperative form of the verb sich benehmen (to behave) and dich is the reflexive pronoun meaning "yourself".
Which one should you use?
While Benimm dich! is a command to act politely, it is distinct from Verhalte dich gut!, which is a more literal way of saying "act/conduct yourself well".
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form benimm dich is the singular informal imperative, which is used when speaking to one child or one person you know well.
Did you know?
- If a German adult says Benimm dich! to another adult in a heated argument, it is extremely condescending. It is not a suggestion to be polite, but an insult implying the other person is acting like a child.
- The word anständig used in Sei anständig can also be used to describe a 'proper' amount of something, such as ein anständiges Stück Kuchen meaning a generous slice of cake.
- The verb benehmen literally means 'to take' or 'to carry away' when not used reflexively. In the phrase benimm dich, you are essentially telling someone how to 'take' themselves in a social setting.
Examples in context
- Benimm dich, wenn ich weg bin!Behave yourself while I'm gone.This sentence shows how to use benimm dich when telling someone to behave while you are away.Tatoeba #8444289 by Luiaard, translation #1341288 by CK
- Benimm dich und gehorche deinem Lehrer!Behave yourself and do just what your teacher tells you.This sentence uses benimm dich as a command to behave and obey a teacher.Tatoeba #6196913 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5831569 by Hybrid
- Du bist jetzt ein großer Junge, benimm dich.Now you are a big boy, behave yourself.This sentence uses benimm dich to tell a big boy to behave.Tatoeba #2394119 by Dejo, translation #31206 by Dejo
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother is leaving her son at a friend's house.
- HannahBenimm dich bitte heute!Please behave yourself today!
- JulianIch werde ein guter Junge sein.I will be a good boy.
- HannahDas ist lieb von dir, Julian.That is sweet of you, Julian.
- JulianTschüss, Mama!Bye, Mom!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
