Hör mir zu
The English phrase "listen to me" is translated into German as Hör mir zu.
You can use the informal Hör mal zu! or the Pass auf, jetzt hör mal her! to mean "listen to me" or "pay attention, listen to me now!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is based on the separable verb zuhören. In a simple imperative sentence, the prefix zu moves to the end of the clause. The word mir is the dative form of "me".
How does it change in a sentence?
Hör mir zu is the singular informal imperative used when addressing one person. If you are addressing a group of people informally, use the plural imperative Hört mir zu. The formal imperative Hören Sie mir zu can be used when addressing one or more people in a professional or respectful context. Because the verb zuhören requires the dative case, the word mir is used instead of the accusative mich.
Did you know?
- In some German dialects and in Yiddish, the word mir does not mean 'me' but actually means 'we'.
- Adding the word mal to Hör mal zu doesn't add a meaning like 'once' or 'time' but functions as a psychological tool to make the command less aggressive.
- The phrase Pass auf used in Pass auf, jetzt hör mal her! literally means 'guard' or 'watch out', treating listening as a form of vigilance.
Examples in context
- Hey, hör mir zu.Hey, listen to me.Tatoeba #6644835 by Felixjp, translation #3562475 by CK
- Hör mir zu, okay?Listen to me, OK?Tatoeba #6644772 by Felixjp, translation #2648779 by CK
- Okay, hör mir zu.OK, listen to me.Tatoeba #7836415 by bonny37, translation #5758118 by CM
- Hey, hör mal zu, ich habe eine großartige Idee!Hey, listen to me, I have a great idea!
- Könnten Sie bitte kurz zuhören?Could you please listen for a moment?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is trying to explain an important plan to Felix.
- JuliaHör mir zu, Felix!Listen to me, Felix!
- FelixIch höre dir zu, Julia.I am listening to you, Julia.
- JuliaWir müssen jetzt schnell handeln.We have to act quickly now.
- FelixVerstanden, ich bin bereit.Understood, I am ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mir, zu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
