ich gebe dir Bescheid
The English phrase "I will let you know" can be translated into German as ich gebe dir Bescheid.
This phrase is used when you intend to provide someone with information or an update at a later time, typically because you need to check something first or because the outcome is not yet determined.
Which one should you use?
While ich gebe dir Bescheid and ich sage dir Bescheid carry the same meaning, Bescheid sagen is a slightly more colloquial alternative to Bescheid geben.
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, the present tense is often used to express a future intention, which is why ich gebe dir Bescheid is a common way to say "I will let you know". When addressing a single person formally, use Ihnen instead of dir (e.g., ich gebe Ihnen Bescheid). If you are addressing a group of friends or people you are on informal terms with, use euch (e.g., ich gebe euch Bescheid).
Did you know?
- The word Bescheid shares a root with the word scheiden, which means 'to separate' or 'to divide'.
- While ich gebe dir Bescheid means 'I will let you know', the noun Bescheid can also refer to a formal written notification from a government authority.
- In a professional context, if someone says Ich gebe Ihnen Bescheid without a timeframe, it can sometimes be a polite way of delaying a decision indefinitely.
Examples in context
- Vielen Dank für Ihre Anfrage. Ich werde Sie über die weiteren Entwicklungen informieren.Thank you very much for your inquiry. I will keep you informed about any further developments.
- Sobald ich Neuigkeiten habe, werde ich Ihnen Bescheid geben.As soon as I have any news, I will let you know.
- Ich werde Ihnen zeitnah Rückmeldung zu Ihrem Anliegen geben.I will provide you with timely feedback regarding your matter.
- Hey, wenn ich etwas erfahre, sage ich dir Bescheid.Hey, if I find out something, I'll let you know.
- Sobald ich mehr weiß, gebe ich dir Bescheid.As soon as I know more, I'll let you know.
- Ich gebe dir Bescheid, sobald ich es weiß.I will let you know as soon as I know it.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing a potential weekend trip.
- HannahKannst du mir sagen, ob du kommen kannst?Can you tell me if you can come?
- FelixIch muss erst meinen Chef fragen, aber ich gebe dir Bescheid.I have to ask my boss first, but I will let you know.
- HannahAlles klar, sag mir einfach bis Freitag Bescheid.All right, just let me know by Friday.
- FelixDas mache ich, Hannah.I will do that, Hannah.
