fertig
/ˈfɛrtɪç/
In German, the English phrase "done" is expressed as fertig.
fertig is used to express that a task has been completed. To express that one is done with a task, you use the phrase fertig sein.
Meaning: expresses that a task has been completed (intj)
Which one should you use?
While fertig is used for people being done with a task, erledigt is often used for the task itself to indicate it has been dealt with or settled (e.g., Die Sache ist erledigt).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɛrtɪç/
What mistakes should you avoid?
In a colloquial context, fertig can also mean being physically or mentally exhausted, rather than just having completed a task.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says Ich bin fertig mit dir, they are not saying they have finished a task with you. They are declaring that they are completely fed up with you and the relationship is over.
- While fertig means 'done', the word erledigt shares a root with ledig, which means 'single' or 'unmarried'. It implies the task has been 'set free' or released.
- The phrase fertig machen can mean 'to get ready', but in a different context, it is a common slang term for bullying or destroying someone's reputation.
Examples in context
- Bist du oben fertig?Are you done upstairs?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has finished a task in an upstairs location using fertig.Tatoeba #3880565 by nubok, translation #3880406 by Amastan
- Bist du fast fertig?Are you almost done?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is nearly finished using fertig.Tatoeba #7369787 by Yorwba, translation #6803320 by CK
- Tom ist fast fertig.Tom is almost done.This sentence is useful for stating that a person is nearly finished using fertig.Tatoeba #7452978 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2272913 by CK
- Ich bin fertig.I am done.
- Das Projekt ist endlich fertig.The project is finally done.
- Die Hausaufgaben sind erledigt.The homework is done.
- Die Verhandlungen sind erfolgreich abgeschlossen worden.The negotiations have been successfully concluded.
- Der Bau des Gebäudes wurde rechtzeitig fertiggestellt.The construction of the building was completed on time.
- 234 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are in the kitchen after preparing a meal.
- JuliaBist du mit dem Kochen fertig?Are you finished cooking?
- JulianJa, ich bin jetzt fertig.Yes, I am finished now.
- JuliaSuper, dann können wir essen.Great, then we can eat.
- JulianGuten Appetit, Julia!Enjoy your meal, Julia!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fertig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
