bedien dich
The English phrase "help yourself" can be translated into German as bedien dich.
This phrase is used as an invitation to take as much of something, such as food or drink, as one wants.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bedien dich is a literal translation of "serve yourself" using the reflexive verb sich bedienen.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people informally, use bedient euch. In formal situations, use bedienen Sie sich.
Did you know?
- The verb bedienen also means 'to operate', so bedien dich could sound like you are telling someone to operate themselves if used in a highly technical context.
- In a sarcastic context, Bedien dich! can be used to tell someone to take something they have already stolen or taken without asking.
- The word bedienen comes from Dienst, meaning 'service'. This makes it a distant relative of the English word 'servant' via the concept of performing a duty.
Examples in context
- Bedien dich am Kuchen!Help yourself to a piece of cake.This sentence is useful for showing how to use bedien dich with food.Tatoeba #2938732 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2642210 by CK
- Bitte bedien dich bei den Keksen!Please help yourself to the cookies.Tatoeba #3304424 by pne, translation #38589 by CK
- Bedien dich doch mit allem, was du magst.Help yourself to anything you like.This sentence is useful for showing how to use bedien dich to offer a variety of things.Tatoeba #1835865 by Tamy, translation #24967 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are at a buffet during a small party.
- FelixDas Buffet ist fertig, bedien dich!The buffet is ready, help yourself!
- HannahDanke, Felix! Alles sieht sehr lecker aus.Thanks, Felix! Everything looks very delicious.
- FelixJa, nimm dir ruhig viel davon.Yes, feel free to take plenty of it.
- HannahIch werde mich mal vorsichtig bedienen.I will help myself carefully.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
