lass mich in Ruhe
informal
In German, the phrase 'leave me alone' is said as lass mich in Ruhe.
The phrase lass mich in Ruhe is used to tell someone to stop bothering you or to stop talking to you.
Meaning: stop talking to me (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of lass (let), mich (me) and in Ruhe (in peace).
Which one should you use?
While lass mich in Ruhe focuses on being left in peace, lass mich in Frieden is a stronger, more dramatic version that carries a more existential or heavy emotional sense.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
lass mich in Ruhe is the informal form. In a formal context, such as when addressing a stranger or a superior, you should use lassen Sie mich in Ruhe instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. If you are addressing more than one person informally, such as a group of friends, use lasst mich in Ruhe. For formal situations, use lassen Sie mich in Ruhe.
Did you know?
- The verb lass shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'late'.
- While 'peace' is the common translation, the word Ruhe specifically evokes a sense of stillness or a lack of motion.
- The word Ruhe can also be used as a noun to describe a 'break' or 'rest' in a professional setting, similar to 'taking a rest'.
Examples in context
- Bitte lass mich in Ruhe!Please leave me alone!This sentence shows how to add 'please' to the phrase lass mich in Ruhe.Tatoeba #8641767 by Melang, translation #8629199 by kidaehong
- Raus! Lass mich in Ruhe!Get out and leave me alone!This example uses lass mich in Ruhe alongside a command to get out.Tatoeba #10950695 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3087477 by Hybrid
- Hau ab und lass mich in Ruhe!Go away and leave me alone!This example uses lass mich in Ruhe alongside a command to go away.Tatoeba #1218742 by Esperantostern, translation #9181476 by Nylez
- Lassen Sie mich bitte in Ruhe.Please leave me alone.
- Ich bitte Sie, mich alleine zu lassen.I kindly ask you to leave me alone.
- Kannst du mich bitte in Frieden lassen?Can you please leave me alone?
- Hör auf, mich zu belästigen!Stop bothering me!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is trying to work and Julia keeps asking him questions.
- MaximilianJulia, bitte lass mich in Ruhe.Julia, please leave me alone.
- JuliaWar ich zu nervig?Was I too annoying?
- MaximilianJa, ich muss mich konzentrieren.Yes, I need to concentrate.
- JuliaOkay, ich gehe jetzt.Okay, I'm leaving now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leave me alone” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ruhe, in, lass, mich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
