wenn du so weit bist
In German, ready when you are is wenn du so weit bist, literally when you have reached that point, said to tell someone you can start whenever they can.
German expresses being ready to start or set off with the idiom so weit sein. A full sentence for I am ready when you are is Ich bin bereit, wenn du es bist. To invite someone to begin, you can say Wenn du bereit bist, können wir starten.
What does it mean word for word?
wenn means when, du is the informal you and so weit bist means are so far, in the sense of having reached the point of being ready.
Which one should you use?
bereit means ready or prepared in a general sense, while so weit sein is the idiomatic way to say you are ready to start a specific action or to leave.
How does it change in a sentence?
With a stranger, a superior or in a business setting, switch to the polite wenn Sie so weit sind. The formal full sentence is Ich bin bereit, wenn Sie es sind.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use du with someone you would address formally. Say wenn Sie so weit sind instead.
Did you know?
- The word du is a direct linguistic relative of the archaic English 'thou'. Both words share the same Proto-Germanic ancestor used for the singular 'you'.
- The German word bist is a cognate of the dialectal English words 'bist' and 'beest'. These terms were once used in early modern English to mean 'you are'.
- While bereit describes a general state of preparation, the phrase so weit sein specifically evokes the image of a traveler who has reached a certain destination or milestone.
Examples in context
- Ich bin bereit. Sag einfach Bescheid, wenn du so weit bist.I am ready. Just let me know when you are ready.
- Wir können losfahren, wenn du so weit bist.We can drive off when you are ready.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are preparing to leave the house for a walk.
- FelixSoll ich schon mal die Tasche packen?Should I pack the bag already?
- JuliaNein, ich ziehe mich nur noch schnell an.No, I am just getting dressed quickly.
- FelixAlles klar, ich bin bereit, wenn du so weit bist.All right, I am ready when you are.
- JuliaDanke, Felix, ich bin in fünf Minuten fertig.Thanks, Felix, I will be ready in five minutes.
