ich werde dich schlagen
The English phrase "I will beat you" is translated into German as ich werde dich schlagen.
This phrase is used as a threat to physically strike someone.
Which one should you use?
The word schlagen refers specifically to physical striking. Do not confuse this with the English idiom "to beat someone" used in the context of defeating an opponent in a game or competition. In those cases, you should use ich werde dich besiegen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is constructed using the future tense, which combines the auxiliary verb werden (to become/will) with the infinitive schlagen (to hit/beat) placed at the end of the clause.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the past participle geschlagen when forming the future tense. English speakers often mistakenly say ich werde dich geschlagen, but you must use the infinitive schlagen instead.
Did you know?
- In German, you can use schlagen to describe the action of whipping cream, which is called Sahne schlagen.
- The German word schlagen is a distant relative of the English word 'slay'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Proto-Germanic word slahaną.
- In German, the verb schlagen is used in many idioms that have nothing to do with violence, such as Nägel mit Köpfen schlagen to mean 'getting things done'.
Examples in context
- Ja, ich bin bereit! Aber ich warne dich: Ich werde dich schlagen!Yes, I am ready! But I warn you: I will beat you!
- Wetten, dass ich dich beim Schach besiege?Bet I can beat you at chess?
- Na, dann mal los! Ich werde dich in den Boden stampfen!Well, let's get started! I will stomp you into the ground!
- Ich werde dich schlagen, wenn du das tust!I will beat you if you do that!
Example conversation
Two people are having a heated argument in a park.
- SarahLass mich sofort in Ruhe, Maximilian!Leave me alone right now, Maximilian!
- MaximilianDas werde ich nicht tun, Sarah.I will not do that, Sarah.
- SarahGeh weg, oder ich werde dich schlagen!Go away, or I will beat you!
- MaximilianDu traust dich nicht.You wouldn't dare.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dich, ich, schlagen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
