How to Say “Chill Out” in German

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chillen
/ˈtʃɪlən/
To chill out in German is to chillen.
The verb chillen is used to mean relaxing or taking time out. It specifically implies hanging out or doing nothing.
Meaning: relax or take time out (verb)

Which one should you use?

While chillen is a colloquial term for hanging out, the standard and more formal way to say 'to relax' is entspannen.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

chillen is an informal loanword from English, used primarily by younger generations. For an informal way to tell someone to chill out, you can use Entspann Dich.

How does it change in a sentence?

The past participle of chillen is gechillt. If you want to command someone to 'chill out', you can use the imperative forms chill mal! or chill mal ruhig!

How do you pronounce it?

/ˈtʃɪlən/

Did you know?

  • The word chillen is an example of 'Denglisch', a blend of German and English used in modern urban slang and advertising.
  • In some youth circles, chillig is used as an adjective to describe a person or a vibe, similar to 'laid-back' in English.
  • If you use the formal imperative Entspannen Sie sich! to tell a stranger to chill out, you might sound accidentally sarcastic or even condescending rather than helpful.

Examples in context

  • Wenn Sie gestresst sind, sollten Sie sich einfach mal entspannen.
    If you are stressed, you should just relax.
  • Komm doch heute Abend vorbei und wir können gemeinsam chillen.
    Come over tonight, and we can chill out together.
  • Hey, mach mal langsam und entspann dich einfach.
    Hey, take it easy and just chill out.
  • Heute ist ein stressfreier Tag für dich. Einfach mal relaxen!
    Today is a stress-free day for you. Just relax!
  • Wir sollten heute einfach nur chillen.
    We should just chill out today.
  • Ich will am Wochenende nur chillen.
    I just want to chill out on the weekend.
  • Lass uns im Park chillen.
    Let's chill out in the park.

Example conversation

Julia and Maximilian are talking about their plans for the afternoon.

  1. Julia

    Hast du heute Nachmittag schon etwas vor?
    Do you have any plans for this afternoon?
  2. Maximilian

    Nein, ich möchte heute nur ein bisschen chillen.
    No, I just want to chill out a bit today.
  3. Julia

    Das klingt gut, darf ich mich anschließen?
    That sounds good, can I join you?
  4. Maximilian

    Klar, Julia, komm einfach vorbei!
    Sure, Julia, just come over!

Sources

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Rose Ethel
Rose EthelHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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