geerdet
The English phrase 'grounded' translates to German as geerdet.
In German, geerdet is used to describe something that is electrically grounded.
Meaning: confined to one's room for some misdemeanor (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 'grounded' in English can refer to a child being punished by being confined to their room, geerdet only refers to the literal, electrical sense of being grounded.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use geerdet to mean a child is being punished for misbehavior. To say a child is grounded (confined to their room), you should use Hausarrest haben instead.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says someone is geerdet in a spiritual context, they are referring to the practice of connecting oneself to the energy of the earth.
- The word geerdet can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is 'down to earth' or emotionally stable.
- While Hausarrest translates literally as 'house arrest', it is the standard term for a child being 'grounded' and does not imply a legal or criminal situation.
Examples in context
- Mein Computer ist an einer richtig geerdeten Steckdose angeschlossen.My computer is connected to a properly grounded outlet.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use geerdet in the context of an electrical outlet.Tatoeba #3177591 by a_coder, translation #1522373 by erikspen
- Er ist eine bodenständige PersonHe is a grounded person.
- Er ist bodennah und hat nie abgehobene AnsichtenHe is grounded and never has lofty opinions.
- Sie hat einen realistischen Blick auf die WeltShe has a grounded view of the world.
- Sie ist eine bodenständige Politikerin und verliert nie den Bezug zur Realität.She is a grounded politician and never loses touch with reality.
- Sei realistisch und bleib auf dem Boden.Be grounded and stay realistic.
- Eine ehrliche Einschätzung ist wichtig, um bodenständige Entscheidungen zu treffen.An honest assessment is important to make grounded decisions.
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are talking about their weekend plans.
- JulianKommst du morgen mit ins Kino?Are you coming to the cinema tomorrow?
- JuliaNein, ich bin leider geerdet.No, unfortunately I am grounded.
- JulianOh nein, was hast du getan?Oh no, what did you do?
- JuliaIch habe zu schlecht in der Schule geschrieben.I got bad grades in school.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry geerdet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
