gib niemals auf
The English phrase "never give up" is translated into German as gib niemals auf.
This is an encouraging phrase used to tell someone to keep trying and not stop despite difficulties.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "give never up". The word gib is the imperative of geben (to give) and auf is the prefix of the separable verb aufgeben (to give up).
Which one should you use?
Gib niemals auf is used when speaking to a single person, while gebt niemals auf is used when addressing a group of people in an informal setting. Geben Sie niemals auf is the standard way to express this in a formal manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form gib niemals auf is informal. For a formal setting or addressing a stranger, use Geben Sie niemals auf. When addressing a group of friends or people you know informally, use gebt niemals auf instead of the singular gib.
Did you know?
- In German, the verb aufgeben can mean 'to give up' or 'to post' a letter or parcel at the post office.
- A very common alternative to gib niemals auf is Dranbleiben, a single verb that means 'to stick with it' or 'to keep at it'.
- The word auf in this phrase is actually a distant relative of the English word 'up'. They both trace back to the same Proto-Germanic root, meaning they are linguistic cousins.
Examples in context
- Gib niemals auf!Never give up!This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase gib niemals auf.Tatoeba #2161826 by Manfredo, translation #2117890 by freddy1
- Es gab viele Herausforderungen in Ihrem bisherigen Projekt. Was ist Ihr Geheimnis, um bei Schwierigkeiten nicht aufzugeben?There have been many challenges in your previous project. What is your secret to not giving up in difficult situations?
- Geben Sie niemals auf. Ich glaube fest an die Bedeutung kontinuierlicher Anstrengungen und des positiven Denkens.Never give up. I strongly believe in the importance of continuous efforts and positive thinking.
- Gib niemals auf! Du hast bereits so viel erreicht und ich glaube fest daran, dass du es schaffen wirst.Never give up! You've already achieved so much, and I firmly believe you can do it.
- Gib niemals auf, dein Traum ist erreichbar.Never give up, your dream is achievable.
- Du bist sehr stark, also gib niemals auf.You are very strong, so never give up.
Example conversation
Julian is frustrated while studying for a difficult exam.
- HannahDu schaffst das, Julian! Gib niemals auf.You can do it, Julian! Never give up.
- JulianIch weiß nicht, ob ich es kann.I don't know if I can.
- HannahNur noch ein wenig Mühe.Just a little more effort.
- JulianOkay, ich versuche es noch einmal.Okay, I'll try one more time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, niemals, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
