When it comes to celebrating birthdays or special occasions, blowing out the candles on a cake is a customary tradition in many cultures. If you find yourself in Germany or among German-speaking friends, it’s always useful to know how to say “blow out the candles” in German. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase. So, let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Blow Out the Candles”
If you are in a formal setting or addressing someone with respect, you can use these phrases to convey the idea of blowing out the candles on a cake. Remember to adjust your manner of speech depending on the person’s age and relationship to you.
- “Die Kerzen auspusten” – This is the most common and standard way to say “blow out the candles” in German. It is straightforward and widely understood in all German-speaking regions. For example, you could say, “Bitte pusten Sie die Kerzen aus” to politely ask someone to blow out the candles.
- “Die Kerzen erlöschen” – This phrase translates to “let the candles extinguish” and is a more formal alternative. You may come across this expression in formal written invitations or in more formal speech situations. For instance, you could use it in a sentence like, “Es ist Zeit, die Kerzen erlöschen zu lassen.” (It is time to let the candles extinguish.)
Informal Ways to Say “Blow Out the Candles”
If you are among friends or in an informal setting, you can opt for these more casual expressions to convey the idea of blowing out the candles. These phrases are especially common when celebrating birthdays in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
- “Die Kerzen auspusten” – Yes, you read that right! “Die Kerzen auspusten” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in an informal setting, you might choose a more relaxed and friendly tone when saying it. For example, you could say, “Puste mal die Kerzen aus!” to a close friend, which means “Go ahead and blow out the candles!”
- “Pust die Kerzen aus!” – This is a slightly less formal way to say “blow out the candles” and is commonly used among friends and family. It is a direct and simple command. You can make it sound even more casual by using a more relaxed manner of speaking. For instance, “Pust doch mal die Kerzen aus!” (Go ahead, blow out the candles!)
Regional Variations
German is spoken in various regions, and while the language is generally standardized, there can still be some regional variations. However, when it comes to expressing “blow out the candles,” there aren’t any notable regional differences. The phrases mentioned earlier are understood and used throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other German-speaking communities.
Tips and Examples
To help you use these phrases with ease and confidence, here are some additional tips and examples:
Tips:
- Use a friendly and warm tone when addressing friends and family.
- Be aware of your relationship with the person you are speaking to and adjust your speech accordingly.
- If in doubt, opt for the more formal expression to show respect.
Examples:
- If you want to ask someone formally to blow out the candles, you could say: “Bitte pusten Sie die Kerzen auf der Torte aus.”
- For a more casual approach among friends, you might say: “Puste mal die Kerzen aus, es sieht toll aus!” (Go ahead and blow out the candles; it looks great!)
Remember, the key lies in adjusting your tone and choice of words to fit the situation. Whether you opt for the formal or informal phrases, conveying the message to blow out the candles in German will surely make any celebration special!
