Bitte lass mich in Ruhe
The German phrase for "please leave me alone" is Bitte lass mich in Ruhe.
This phrase is a request for someone to stop bothering you or talking to you. You can soften the request by using the word Entschuldigung (I'm sorry) before it.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Bitte lass mich in Ruhe is a polite request. If you omit the word Bitte, the phrase becomes Lass mich in Ruhe, which is a blunt command rather than a polite request.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on who you are addressing. If you are addressing more than one person informally, use Lasst mich bitte in Ruhe. In formal situations, use the polite imperative Lassen Sie instead of lass, such as in Lassen Sie mich bitte in Ruhe.
Did you know?
- While Ruhe means peace, the phrase Ruhe bitte! is often shouted by teachers in German classrooms to demand immediate silence.
- The word Bitte shares a common ancestor with the Old High German beta, which was used specifically for prayers.
- The word Ruhe does not just mean 'quiet' or 'silence', but also translates to 'peace' and 'rest'. In a cemetery context, it refers to the eternal rest of the deceased.
Examples in context
- Bitte lass mich in Ruhe!Please leave me alone!This sentence is useful for expressing the request directly.Tatoeba #8641767 by Melang, translation #8629199 by kidaehong
- Tom, bitte lass mich in Ruhe!Tom, please leave me alone.This sentence shows how to address someone by name while making the request.Tatoeba #5583218 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3303940 by Hybrid
- Bitte lass mich in Ruhe, ich bin beschäftigt.Please leave me alone. I am busy.This sentence shows how to provide a reason, such as being busy, alongside the request.Tatoeba #702020 by Manfredo, translation #262400 by CC
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah is constantly asking Felix questions while he tries to study.
- FelixHannah, kannst du aufhören?Hannah, can you stop?
- HannahIch wollte nur etwas fragen.I just wanted to ask something.
- FelixBitte lass mich in Ruhe.Please leave me alone.
- HannahOkay, tut mir leid.Okay, I am sorry.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bitte, Ruhe, bitte, in, lass, mich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
