Ruhe bitte
/ˈʁuːə ˈbɪtə/word by word
The English phrase "quiet please" is translated into German as Ruhe bitte.
Ruhe bitte is a polite request for people to stop talking or making noise. While it includes the word for please, it is still a command. It is most commonly used by people in positions of authority, such as teachers, librarians or conductors.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun Ruhe (quiet, peace or rest) and the particle bitte (please).
Which one should you use?
While Ruhe bitte is a common shorthand, you may encounter more grammatically complete or formal versions. For example, Seien Sie bitte ruhig is a more formal and complete way to say "Please be quiet". If you are addressing a group, you can use Können Sie alle bitte leise sein? to mean "Could you all please be quiet?"
How does it change in a sentence?
Dropping the word bitte and saying only Ruhe! makes the command much more abrupt and potentially rude, similar to shouting "Quiet!" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁuːə ˈbɪtə/
Did you know?
- German laws include Ruhezeiten, which are legally mandated quiet hours during which residents must avoid making noise, such as vacuuming or mowing lawns.
- The word Ruhe is used in the expression Ruhe in Frieden, which is the German equivalent of 'rest in peace'.
- The word bitte is a shortened form of ich bitte, which literally means 'I beg'.
Examples in context
- Ruhe bitte!Quiet, please!This example shows how to use the phrase Ruhe bitte.Tatoeba #7166979 by felix63, translation #9020693 by Rawrren
- Bitte seien Sie leise während der Vorstellung.Please be quiet during the performance.
- Ruhe bitte, ich muss arbeiten.Quiet please, I need to work.
- Ruhe bitte, die Kinder schlafen.Quiet please, the children are sleeping.
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are in a library.
- SarahRuhe bitte, Felix!Quiet please, Felix!
- FelixOh, tut mir leid, Sarah.Oh, I'm sorry, Sarah.
- SarahIch versuche mich zu konzentrieren.I am trying to concentrate.
- FelixIch bin jetzt ganz leise.I will be very quiet now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Ruhe, bitte) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ruhe, bitte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
