Räum dein Zimmer auf
The English phrase 'clean your room' is translated into German as Räum dein Zimmer auf.
This phrase is used to tell someone to tidy up a bedroom by putting objects back into their proper places.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the separable verb aufräumen, which means 'to tidy up'. In this construction, räum is the stem and the prefix auf is placed at the end of the sentence.
Which one should you use?
While Räum dein Zimmer auf is used for a single person you know well, you should use Räumt euer Zimmer auf if you are giving the command to more than one person. For formal situations, use Räumen Sie Ihr Zimmer auf.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the separable verb aufräumen. In an imperative command, the prefix auf- moves to the end of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The verb aufräumen is used not only for rooms but also for 'clearing the air' in a relationship, using the metaphor of tidying up emotional clutter.
- In German culture, the concept of Ordnung (order) is so ingrained that the phrase Ordnung muss sein (there must be order) is a common cultural mantra.
- While English uses 'clean' for both scrubbing and tidying, German distinguishes between putzen for scrubbing surfaces and aufräumen for organizing objects.
Examples in context
- Halt den Mund und räum dein Zimmer auf!Shut up and clean your room!This example shows how the phrase can be used as a forceful command.Tatoeba #12425532 by Waldelfe, translation #2776605 by sundown
- Geh sofort nach oben und räum dein Zimmer auf!Go upstairs right now and clean your room.This example demonstrates an immediate command to go upstairs and perform the task.Tatoeba #3399672 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3399356 by Hybrid
- „Tom, räum dein Zimmer auf!“ – „Das mache ich später.“"Tom, clean your room." "I'll do it later."This example shows a typical dialogue where a command is given and a delay is requested.Tatoeba #3300737 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3300732 by Hybrid
- Machen Sie Ihr Zimmer sauber.Make your room clean.
- Bitte sorgen Sie für Ordnung in Ihrem Zimmer.Please maintain order in your room.
- Mach dein Zimmer sauber.Clean your room.
- Räum dein Zimmer auf.Tidy up your room.
- Ruum dis Ziimmer uuf.Clean up your room.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother is talking to her son in the living room.
- HannahMaximilian, räum dein Zimmer auf!Maximilian, clean your room!
- MaximilianIch mache das gleich.I will do it in a moment.
- HannahNein, mach es jetzt!No, do it now!
- MaximilianOkay, ich räum mein Zimmer auf.Okay, I am cleaning my room.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
