sag mir Bescheid
The German phrase for 'let me know' is sag mir Bescheid.
This phrase is used to ask someone to provide you with information or an update about something in the future. A common synonym that is often used interchangeably is Bescheid geben, which also means to let someone know or to inform. For more formal contexts, you might use Lassen Sie es mich wissen to say 'let me know', Informieren Sie mich, bitte to say 'inform me, please' or Ich würde mich über Ihre Rückmeldung freuen to say 'I would appreciate your feedback'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from Bescheid (information/notification) and sagen (to say).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form sag mir Bescheid uses the informal imperative. If you are speaking to a stranger or a superior, you should use the formal imperative Sagen Sie mir Bescheid. If you are addressing a group of friends, the imperative changes to Sagt mir Bescheid.
Did you know?
- In some German dialects, the word mir can actually mean 'we' instead of 'me'.
- The noun Bescheid in sag mir Bescheid actually traces back to the verb bescheiden, which meant 'to announce a decision' or 'to settle' something.
- While 'let me know' is quite casual in English, using the literal translation 'Lass mich wissen' can sometimes sound overly dramatic or stiff in German.
Examples in context
- Sag mir Bescheid, wie es läuft!Let me know how it goes.This sentence is useful for asking for an update on how things are going using sag mir Bescheid.Tatoeba #1846515 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1845494 by CK
- Sag mir Bescheid, sobald er da ist!Let me know as soon as he comes.This sentence is useful for asking someone to notify you immediately using sag mir Bescheid.Tatoeba #2357762 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2259022 by _undertoad
- Sag mir Bescheid, wenn du fertig bist!Let me know, when you are ready!This sentence is useful for asking someone to notify you upon completion using sag mir Bescheid.Tatoeba #2080707 by freddy1, translation #2133067 by freddy1
- Lassen Sie es mich bitte wissen, wenn Sie weitere Informationen benötigen.Please let me know if you need any further information.
- Lass es mich wissen, wenn du Zeit hast, uns zu besuchen!Let me know when you have time to visit us!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix is planning a trip and Hannah wants to hear about it.
- HannahSag mir Bescheid, wenn du dein Ziel gefunden hast.Let me know when you have found your destination.
- FelixGerne, Hannah. Ich melde mich bei dir.Gladly, Hannah. I will get in touch with you.
- HannahViel Spaß bei deiner Reise!Have fun on your trip!
- FelixDanke, ich sage dir Bescheid, sobald ich angekommen bin.Thanks, I'll let you know as soon as I've arrived.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bescheid, mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
