Bitte gehen Sie
/ˈbɪtə ˈɡeːən ziː/word by word
The English phrase "please leave" can be translated into German as Bitte gehen Sie.
This phrase is used as a polite request for someone to go away from a place.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Bitte (please), gehen (to go) and Sie (you, formal).
Which one should you use?
While Bitte gehen Sie is a polite request, reversing the order to Gehen Sie bitte is also common and places slightly more emphasis on the action of leaving.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Bitte gehen Sie uses the formal Sie. You can change this to the informal Bitte geh when speaking to a friend or a child, or to Bitte geht when addressing a group of people informally.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɪtə ˈɡeːən ziː/
Did you know?
- A German speaker might respond to Bitte gehen Sie with a sharp Ja, ja, which often implies 'I'm going, stop nagging me' rather than a simple 'yes'.
- The word Bitte is a distant relative of the English word 'bede', as in 'beads' used for counting prayers.
- In German, using the formal Sie is not just about politeness but creates a social distance that makes the request to leave feel more clinical and firm.
Examples in context
- Bitte gehen Sie.Please leave.
- Bitte verlassen Sie den Raum.Please leave the room.
- Könnten Sie bitte gehen?Could you please leave?
- Kannst du bitte rausgehen?Can you please go out?
- Bitte gehen Sie, diese Besprechung ist vertraulich.Please leave, this meeting is confidential.
- Bitte gehen Sie jetzt.Please leave now.
- Bitte gehen Sie durch die Tür.Please leave through the door.
Example conversation
Julia is finishing a private meeting in her office.
- JuliaDas Meeting ist zu Ende. Bitte gehen Sie.The meeting is over. Please leave.
- MaximilianNatürlich, ich gehe sofort.Of course, I am leaving immediately.
- JuliaVielen Dank, Herr Maximilian.Thank you very much, Mr. Maximilian.
- MaximilianGerne, auf Wiedersehen, Julia.You're welcome, goodbye, Julia.
