Ich habe viel zu tun
/ɪç ˈhaːbə fiːl t͡sə tuːn/word by word
The German phrase for "I am busy" is Ich habe viel zu tun.
This phrase is used to express that you have a lot of work or tasks to complete.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Ich habe viel zu tun means "I have much to do".
Which one should you use?
While Ich bin beschäftigt is a literal translation of "I am busy," it often implies being occupied with a specific task or being engaged in a way that suggests a lack of availability. In contrast, Ich habe viel zu tun is the more common way to express having a heavy workload.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Ich hab gerade alle Hände voll zu tun. is used to convey "I am currently very busy." Another regional option is Es tut mir leid, ich bin momentan vollkommen ausgelastet, which translates as "I'm sorry, I am currently fully occupied."
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪç ˈhaːbə fiːl tsə tuːn/
Did you know?
- The word viel descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *pleh₁-, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'full'.
- While Ich bin beschäftigt translates to 'I am busy', it can also mean that someone is employed or has a job.
- The term ausgelastet in the phrase ich bin momentan vollkommen ausgelastet comes from the word for 'load' or 'burden'.
Examples in context
- Ich habe viel zu tun, sonst würde ich Ihre Einladung annehmen.I am busy, otherwise I would accept your invitation.This sentence shows how to use Ich habe viel zu tun to explain why you might not accept an invitation.Tatoeba #365614 by lilygilder, translation #261720 by Auride
- Es tut mir leid, aber ich habe keine Zeit. Ich bin momentan sehr beschäftigt.I'm sorry, but I don't have time. I am currently very busy.
- Sorry, im Moment habe ich echt viel zu tun. Wie wäre es mit morgen?Sorry, right now I have a lot to do. How about tomorrow?
- Ich habe viel zu tun heute.I have a lot to do today.
- Tut mir leid, ich habe viel zu tun.I am sorry, I have a lot to do.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are talking on the phone.
- LukasHannah, hast du Zeit für einen Kaffee?Hannah, do you have time for a coffee?
- HannahNein, Lukas, ich habe viel zu tun.No, Lukas, I have a lot to do.
- LukasIst es bei dir sehr stressig?Is it very stressful for you?
- HannahJa, ich habe heute viel zu tun.Yes, I have a lot to do today.
