Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| bereit | /bəˈʁaɪ̯t/ (Germany) /beˈʁaɪ̯t/ |
| fertig | /ˈfɛrtɪç/ /fɛ(ː)dɪç/ |
| gar | /ɡaːr/ |
| parat | /paˈʁaːt/ |
The German language distinguishes between different types of readiness. You can use bereit to express being mentally or volitionally prepared for an action, often seen in the construction bereit sein. If you want to indicate that something is at your disposal, you can use the phrase Zur Verfügung.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what kind of 'ready' you mean: use bereit for being willing or prepared for an action, fertig when a task or process is finished or completed, parat to describe something that is physically at hand or available for immediate use and gar specifically for food that is cooked through or done.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While bereit is an adjective, it is frequently used in the construction bereit sein to express the state of being ready.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use fertig to mean 'prepared for a task,' but this is a mistake. fertig actually implies that the task is already completed or finished.
Did you know?
- If a German says they are fertig after a long day, it doesn't just mean they are 'finished' with work, but often that they are exhausted or 'done' emotionally.
- The German word fertig shares an ancient root with the English word 'expedition', both originating from the idea of being prepared for a journey.
Examples in context
- Tom sah bereit aus.Tom looked ready.This sentence shows how to describe someone's appearance of readiness using bereit.Tatoeba #6619022 by Felixjp, translation #6358545 by CK
- Es ist fast fertig.It's almost ready.This sentence demonstrates using fertig to indicate something is almost finished.Tatoeba #8082459 by Luiaard, translation #2249028 by CK
- Er ist bald bereit.He is ready soon.This sentence shows the use of bereit to describe a person's future state of readiness.Tatoeba #9513882 by Taam, translation #9513881 by Taam
- Ich bin bereitI am ready
- Ich stehe Ihnen zur VerfügungI am ready to assist you
- 687 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are getting ready to leave the house.
- LukasBist du schon bereit?Are you ready yet?
- HannahJa, ich bin bereit.Yes, I am ready.
- LukasDann können wir jetzt gehen.Then we can go now.
- HannahAlles klar, gehen wir!All right, let's go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ready” translations and entries bereit, fertig, gar, parat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bereit, fertig, gar, parat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
