What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a reflexive construction where beruhige is the imperative of 'beruhigen' (to calm) and dich is the reflexive pronoun 'yourself'.
Which one should you use?
Using Beruhige dich! as a direct command can often sound dismissive or patronizing in German, much like in English, depending on the tone. If you want to say 'Keep calm', you can use Ruhe bewahren. If you want to say 'Stay calm', you can use Bleiben Sie ruhig. For a more casual 'Take it easy', use Mach mal langsam. For a colloquial way to tell someone to 'chill out' or 'calm down' when they are overreacting, use komm mal runter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing. Use the informal beruhige dich for someone you know well, or the formal Beruhigen Sie sich for a stranger or a superior. When addressing a group of people, the imperative form changes to beruhigt euch.
Did you know?
- In German, the concept of 'calm' is deeply tied to the word Ruhe, which can mean 'quiet', 'peace' or even 'eternal rest' in a cemetery context.
- In the colloquial phrase komm mal runter, the verb runterkommen literally translates to 'come down', as if the person's excitement has physically elevated them.
- While beruhige dich is the direct translation, Germans often use the phrase ganz ruhig as a standalone exclamation to soothe someone, omitting the verb entirely.
Examples in context
- Bitte beruhige dich, ja?Please just calm down, okay?This sentence is useful for practicing a gentle way to ask someone to calm down.Tatoeba #11240336 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3300535 by Hybrid
- Beruhige dich, mein Junge!Calm down, son.This sentence shows how to use the phrase with a son.Tatoeba #2226490 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2156383 by Hybrid
- Beruhige dich, er neckt dich nur.Calm down, he's just teasing you.This sentence shows how to use the phrase to explain someone's behavior.Tatoeba #1989350 by Tamy, translation #1985643 by FlamingTofu
- Bitte Ruhe bewahren und über die Situation nachdenken.Please remain calm and think about the situation.
- Können Sie sich bitte beruhigen?Could you please calm yourself down?
- Bleiben Sie ruhig und denken Sie sorgfältig über Ihre Entscheidung nach.Stay calm and think carefully about your decision.
- Beruhige dich! Alles wird gut.Calm down! Everything will be fine.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is very upset because she lost her keys.
- LukasBeruhige dich, Julia.Calm down, Julia.
- JuliaIch kann mich nicht beruhigen!I cannot calm down!
- LukasWir finden sie bestimmt bald.We will surely find them soon.
- JuliaDanke, Lukas.Thanks, Lukas.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
