What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "take care of your own affairs".
Which one should you use?
Depending on how aggressive or formal you wish to be, there are several alternatives. Misch dich nicht in meine Angelegenheiten ein! is a more aggressive way to tell someone to stop interfering. For a shorter, more blunt and very common approach, you can use Das geht dich nichts an, which means "That is none of your concern." If you want to say "Take care of your own stuff!" in an informal manner, use Kümmere dich um deinen eigenen Kram!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While kümmere dich um deine eigenen Angelegenheiten is a direct command, you can use the formal phrase Bitte mischen Sie sich nicht ein! to say "Please don't interfere!" when you want to ask someone to stay out of your business.
Did you know?
- The phrase mischen in Misch dich nicht ein! is the same word used for mixing ingredients while baking a cake.
- The word Kram used in the phrase Kümmere dich um deinen eigenen Kram! originally referred to the wares sold by a peddler or a street vendor.
- The word Angelegenheiten shares its root with the idea of 'attaching' or 'binding' something to oneself, which is why it implies a burden of responsibility.
Examples in context
- Höre auf, mir vorzuschreiben, was ich zu tun habe, und kümmere dich um deine eigenen Angelegenheiten!Stop telling me what to do and mind your business.This sentence is useful for learning how to use kümmere dich um deine eigenen Angelegenheiten when telling someone to stop giving you orders.Tatoeba #1771383 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1495720 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, aber das geht Sie nichts an. Kümmern Sie sich um Ihre eigenen Angelegenheiten, bitte.Excuse me, but that's none of your business. Please mind your own affairs.
- Es tut mir leid, aber das ist eine persönliche Frage. Kümmere dich um deinen eigenen Kram, bitte.I'm sorry, but that's a personal question. Please mind your own business.
- Das geht dich überhaupt nichts an! Lass mich in Ruhe!That's none of your business! Leave me alone!
Example conversation
Maximilian asks Laura a personal question about her finances.
- MaximilianWie viel Geld hast du auf deinem Konto?How much money do you have in your account?
- LauraWarum fragst du das? Kümmere dich um deine eigenen Angelegenheiten!Why are you asking that? Mind your own business!
- MaximilianIch wollte nur helfen.I just wanted to help.
- LauraIch brauche keine Hilfe von dir.I don't need any help from you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
