lange nicht gehört
The German phrase for "long time no talk" is lange nicht gehört.
lange nicht gehört is a greeting used when you have not spoken to someone for a long period of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a shortened version of Ich habe dich lange nicht gehört and literally means long not heard.
Which one should you use?
While lange nicht gehört refers specifically to a lack of verbal communication, such as phone calls, lange nicht gesehen is used when you have not seen the person physically.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is informal and is typically used with friends or acquaintances rather than in a formal business setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase functions as an elliptical expression where the subject and auxiliary verb are omitted, utilizing the past participle gehört (heard).
Did you know?
- The word wiht, which helped form nicht, is a distant relative of the English word 'wight' used in fantasy literature to describe a ghost or creature.
- In a digital age, lange nicht gehört is now frequently used for text messages or emails, even though the word gehört literally means 'heard'.
- Using lange nicht gehört in a formal business email can come across as overly familiar or presumptuous, as it implies a personal closeness that transcends professional boundaries.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag, Frau Schmidt. Wir haben uns lange nicht mehr gehört. Wie geht es Ihnen?Good day, Mrs. Schmidt. We haven't heard from each other for a long time. How are you?
- Hallo, lange nichts mehr von dir gehört! Was gibt's Neues?Hi, it's been a long time since I heard from you! What's new?
- Hey! Lange nicht gehört. Wie geht's dir?Hey! Long time no talk. How are you?
- Von dir habe ich lange nicht gehört.I haven't heard from you for a long time.
Example conversation
Lukas calls Laura after several months of silence.
- LukasHallo Laura, lange nicht gehört!Hello Laura, long time no talk!
- LauraStimmt, Lukas! Wie geht es dir?True, Lukas! How are you?
- LukasMir geht es gut, danke.I am doing well, thanks.
- LauraSchön, dass du dich meldest.It is nice that you are getting in touch.
