Nachsitzen
[ˈnaːχˌzɪt͡sn̩]neuter
The English word 'detention' is translated into German as Nachsitzen.
Nachsitzen refers to the punishment given to a student for a minor infraction.
Meaning: punishment given to a student for a minor infraction (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a combination of the prefix nach- (after) and the verb sitzen (to sit), literally meaning 'to sit after' (school hours).
How does it change in a sentence?
While the noun for the concept is das Nachsitzen, the most common way to express 'to get detention' is to use the verb nachsitzen. The noun Nachsitzen is a nominalized verb and is therefore neuter.
Did you know?
- The verb sitzen in nachsitzen can be replaced in slang with absitzen, which is the same verb used for serving a prison sentence.
- In certain German states, the formal term for the disciplinary action is pädagogische Maßnahme, which translates to 'pedagogical measure'.
- In German schools, nachsitzen is often combined with Sozialstunden, where students must perform community service like cleaning the playground or sorting library books.
Examples in context
- Er vergaß seine Hausarbeit mitzubringen und so musste er nachsitzen.He forgot to bring his homework, so he got detention.Tatoeba #806426 by Esperantostern, translation #800851 by maskedmurader
- Die Schülerin muss nachsitzen, weil sie zu spät zum Unterricht kam.The student has detention because she arrived late to class.
- Das Nachsitzen war für ihn sehr langweilig.The detention was very boring for him.
- Das Nachsitzen ist eine Folge von Fehlverhalten.Detention is a consequence of misconduct.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the school hallway after class.
- LauraMusstest du heute wegen der Mathearbeit nachsitzen?Did you have to do detention today because of the math test?
- JulianJa, das Nachsitzen hat eine ganze Stunde gedauert.Yes, the detention lasted a whole hour.
- LauraDas tut mir leid, Julian.I am sorry to hear that, Julian.
- JulianSchon okay, ich lerne jetzt einfach fleißiger.It's okay, I will just study harder now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “detention” translations and entries Nachsitzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
