ich habe meine Tage
The English phrase 'I have my period' is expressed in German as ich habe meine Tage.
A phrase used by a woman to say that she is currently menstruating.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ich habe meine Tage translates to 'I have my days'.
Which one should you use?
While ich habe meine Periode is grammatically correct and more clinical, ich habe meine Tage is the much more natural and common way to express this in everyday German.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ich habe meine Tage is colloquial and serves as a common, slightly euphemistic way to say one is menstruating, similar to saying 'I'm on my period' in English. Other informal variations include Ich bin gerade in meiner Periode and Ich habe gerade meine Tage.
Did you know?
- While ich habe meine Tage is the standard euphemism, some Germans use the phrase die rote Woche meaning 'the red week' to describe the duration of their period.
- The word ich is a direct linguistic relative of the English 'I', both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root *eǵh₂óm.
- Using the word Menstruation in a casual conversation can sound unexpectedly stiff or clinical to native speakers.
Examples in context
- Bist du heute dabei?
Nein, ich habe gerade meine Tage.Are you joining us today?
No, I am on my period right now. - Kann ich heute nicht kommen? Ich habe meine Tage.Can I not come today? I have my period.
- Es tut mir leid, ich habe meine Tage.I'm sorry, I have my period.
Example conversation
Hannah is explaining to Felix why she is feeling unwell.
- HannahFelix, ich fühle mich nicht gut.Felix, I don't feel well.
- FelixWas ist denn los mit dir?What's wrong with you?
- HannahIch habe meine Tage.I have my period.
- FelixOh, das tut mir leid.Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
