What does it mean word for word?
The phrase komm her, Miezekatze breaks down into komm, which is the imperative form of kommen (to come). her, meaning "here" (towards the speaker). And Miezekatze, a compound of Miez (a sound used to call cats) and Katze (cat).
Which one should you use?
For example, Komm mal her, Miezchen translates to "Come here, little kitty", while Komm mal her, Mieze! means "Come here, kitty!" You can also use Na, komm schon, meine süße Katze! to say "Come on, my sweet cat!" or Komm her, Kätzchen! for "Come here, kitty!"
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, you can make the command sound softer and more casual by adding the particle mal to the phrase, as in Komm mal her, Miezchen. Additionally, you can shorten Miezekatze to just Miez to create a more common and affectionate diminutive when calling a cat.
Did you know?
- The word Mieze can be used as a slang term for a woman, similar to how 'kitten' or 'kitty' is sometimes used in English.
- While English speakers typically use 'pspsps' to attract a cat, Germans often use the sound miez or miez-miez as a verbal lure.
- Using the particle mal in Komm mal her doesn't change the meaning to 'once', but acts as a 'modal particle' to make a command sound less like an order and more like a gentle suggestion.
Examples in context
- Komm her, Kätzchen! Möchtest du ein leckeres Leckerli?Come here, kitty! Would you like a tasty treat?
- Komm her, Miezekatze, es gibt Futter.Come here, kitty, there is food.
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are in the living room with their cat.
- HannahKomm her, Miezekatze!Come here, kitty!
- MaximilianSie hört dir gar nicht zu.She isn't listening to you at all.
- HannahJetzt kommt sie endlich!Now she is finally coming!
- MaximilianSie will bestimmt nur fressen.She probably just wants to eat.
