Hilf mir
The English phrase 'help me' is translated into German as Hilf mir.
This phrase is used as a request for assistance when someone is in trouble or requires aid.
What does it mean word for word?
The word mir is the dative case of 'ich' (I). This case is required because the German verb 'helfen' always takes a dative object.
Which one should you use?
While Hilf mir is a direct command or an urgent plea, adding the word bitte to create Hilf mir bitte softens the request into a polite plea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The specific form of the phrase changes depending on who you are talking to. Hilf mir is the singular imperative used for one person informally. If you are addressing a group of people informally, use the plural imperative Helft mir. For formal contexts, whether addressing one person or multiple people, use the formal imperative Helfen Sie mir.
Did you know?
- In many High German dialects and in Yiddish, the word mir doesn't mean 'me' but actually means 'we'.
- While Hilf mir is used for emergencies, German has a specific word Hilferuf for a 'cry for help' which can be used both literally and metaphorically in social contexts.
- In high-stress emergency situations, Germans may drop the pronoun entirely and simply scream Hilfe! which means 'Help!'
Examples in context
- Komm und hilf mir!Come and help me.This sentence is useful for illustrating a direct command to come and help using Hilf mir.Tatoeba #2162856 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1256917 by CK
- Hilf mir bitte hoch!Help me up, please.This sentence shows how to ask for help with a specific physical action using Hilf mir.Tatoeba #8641119 by Melang, translation #9251237 by CK
- Bitte komm und hilf mir.Please come and help me.This sentence demonstrates a polite way to ask someone to come and help using Hilf mir.Tatoeba #1326972 by samueldora, translation #413761 by Scott
- Entschuldigung, können Sie mir bitte helfen? Ich habe mein Gepäck verloren.Excuse me, can you please help me? I have lost my luggage.
- Hilf mir bitte, das Regal hochzutragen.Please help me carry the shelf.
- Ich habe mich verlaufen. Können Sie mir helfen, den Weg zum Bahnhof zu finden?I am lost. Can you help me find the way to the train station?
- Kannst du mir helfen, mein Fahrrad zu reparieren?Can you help me repair my bicycle?
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is trying to carry a heavy box in the hallway.
- JuliaHilf mir bitte mit diesem Kasten.Please help me with this box.
- LukasKlar, ich kann das übernehmen.Sure, I can take care of that.
- JuliaDanke, Lukas, das ist sehr nett.Thanks, Lukas, that is very kind.
- LukasKein Problem, Julia.No problem, Julia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
