ruhig sein
/ˈʁuː.ɪç saɪ̯n/word by word
The English phrase "keep quiet" is translated into German as ruhig sein.
ruhig sein is used to describe a state of being quiet or calm. This can refer specifically to a person making no noise or to someone's general temperament, such as being a calm person.
Meaning: remain silent (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective ruhig (quiet/calm) and the verb sein (to be).
Which one should you use?
While ruhig sein often implies a state of being calm or quiet, the German verb schweigen specifically refers to the act of not speaking.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To command someone to be quiet, you can use the informal imperative Sei ruhig! For a polite or formal command, use Seien Sie ruhig! Another option is the formal phrase Bitte Ruhe halten, which means "Please maintain silence."
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁuː.ɪç saɪ̯n/
Did you know?
- In Germany, there are legally protected Ruhezeiten or 'quiet times'. These are specific hours, often on Sundays and midday, when making noise like mowing the lawn or drilling is socially or legally forbidden.
- The phrase ruhig sein can be used as a gentle reassurance. In certain contexts, telling someone Sei ruhig can actually mean 'Don't worry' or 'It is alright'.
- The German verb sein is a linguistic 'hybrid' because it replaced the older infinitive wesan in many grammatical forms.
Examples in context
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie bitte leise sein?Excuse me, could you please be quiet?
- Du musst jetzt ruhig sein.You must be quiet now.
- Bitte kannst du ein bisschen ruhig sein?Please, can you be a little quiet?
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are in a library.
- MaximilianSarah, bitte sei ruhig.Sarah, please be quiet.
- SarahEntschuldigung, ich werde ruhig sein.Sorry, I will be quiet.
- MaximilianDanke, wir müssen hier ruhig sein.Thanks, we have to be quiet here.
- SarahJa, ich lese jetzt leise.Yes, I am reading quietly now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ruhig, sein) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ruhig, sein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
