Das geht dich nichts an
In German, "none of your business" is expressed as Das geht dich nichts an.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they have no right to know about a particular matter.
Did you know?
- The grammar of geht… an is a separable verb construction. The main part of the action angehen is split, pushing the prefix an to the very end of the sentence.
- While the phrase is a common way to set boundaries, saying it to a stranger or an elder can be perceived as much more aggressive or rude than the English equivalent.
- In German, the concept of 'business' in this context is expressed through the verb angehen, which literally means 'to concern' or 'to touch upon'.
Examples in context
- Das geht dich nichts an.It's none of your business.Tatoeba #815480 by al_ex_an_der, translation #16994 by CK
- Das geht dich nichts an!It is none of your business.Tatoeba #1243442 by Esperantostern, translation #42807 by CC
- „Wem schreibst du denn da?“ – „Das geht dich nichts an.“"Who are you texting?" "That's none of your business."Tatoeba #8044751 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6616940 by Hybrid
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are talking in a cafe when Felix asks a personal question.
- JuliaWarum hast du gekündigt?Why did you quit?
- FelixDas geht dich nichts an.That's none of your business.
- JuliaWar es wegen des Gehalts?Was it because of the salary?
- FelixIch möchte nicht darüber reden.I don't want to talk about it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
