ich kündige
The English phrase 'I quit' can be translated into German as ich kündige.
The phrase ich kündige is used specifically for terminating a contract, such as an employment contract or a rental agreement. Other variations like Ich hau ab. can mean 'I'm getting out of here.'
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'I quit' which can be used for any activity, ich kündige is strictly for formal terminations like jobs or subscriptions. For a more colloquial sense of giving up, you might use Ich schmeiß hin, which means 'I'm throwing in the towel.'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the phrase I mog nimma can be used to mean 'I don't want to anymore'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb kündigen is used in the present tense to express a completed or immediate action of quitting.
Did you know?
- In Germany, you cannot simply say ich kündige and walk out the door. By law, a resignation must be submitted in writing with a physical signature to be legally valid.
- While ich kündige is used for jobs, the colloquial phrase Ich schmeiß hin literally translates to 'I am throwing [it] down'. This evokes the image of a worker physically throwing their tools or uniform on the floor.
- The phrase ich kündige is uniquely flexible because it applies to both employment and housing. You use the same verb to tell your boss you are leaving as you do to tell your landlord you are moving out.
Examples in context
- Sie können mich nicht entlassen – ich kündige!You can't fire me, I quit!Tatoeba #6109380 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6109374 by Hybrid
- Sie können mich nicht entlassen, denn ich kündige!You can't fire me because I quit!Tatoeba #1517863 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #964002 by darinmex
- Ich kündige.I quit.Tatoeba #13196898 by Yorwba, translation #731636 by Eldad
Example conversation
Julian is telling his colleague Sarah that he is leaving his job.
- JulianIch kündige morgen.I am quitting tomorrow.
- SarahEcht? Warum das denn?Really? Why is that?
- JulianIch brauche eine neue Herausforderung.I need a new challenge.
- SarahViel Glück bei deinem neuen Weg, Julian!Good luck with your new path, Julian!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
