Halt die Klappe
rude, slang
The common slang for "shut up" is Halt die Klappe, literally "hold the flap". It is rude. Sei still is milder and Halt die Fresse is vulgar.
Meaning: telling someone to be quiet (phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Halt die Klappe | rude, slang |
| Sei still | neutral |
| Halt die Fresse | vulgar |
Halt die Klappe is heard between siblings or friends and can be playful, but it is impolite with strangers.
Which one should you use?
Sei still simply means "be quiet" and is what you say to a child. Halt die Fresse is strong and should be avoided as a learner.
How does it change in a sentence?
To be polite to a group use Seid still and to be formal use Seien Sie still.
Did you know?
- In German Halt die Klappe can also express amazed disbelief, much like "shut up!" in English.
Examples in context
- Halt die Klappe, das ist ein Geheimnis!Shut up, it is a secret!
- Sei bitte still, das Baby schläft.Please be quiet, the baby is sleeping.
- Seid still!Be quiet!
Example conversation
Two brothers, Leon and Finn, joke around at home.
- LeonIch habe ein Tor geschossen!I scored a goal!
- FinnHalt die Klappe, wirklich?No way, really?
- LeonJa, in der letzten Minute.Yes, in the last minute.
