halt den Mund, du Idiot
/halt de(ː)n mʊnt duː iˈdi̯oːt/word by word
The German phrase for "shut up, you idiot" is halt den Mund, du Idiot.
This phrase is a rude command used to tell someone to stop talking and to insult their intelligence.
Which one should you use?
A common colloquial alternative to halt den Mund is halt die Klappe.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This phrase is highly informal and rude.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperative form of 'halten' (to hold) and the accusative case for 'den Mund'.
How do you pronounce it?
/halt de(ː)n mʊnt duː iˈdi̯oːt/
Did you know?
- The word Klappe, used in the alternative phrase halt die Klappe, literally refers to a hinged flap or lid, often used for animals.
- In German, the word Mund can refer to the physical anatomy or the act of speaking, while Maul is a harsher term used for the mouths of animals.
- The pronoun du is the direct relative of the archaic English word 'thou'.
Examples in context
- Wären Sie so freundlich, den Mund zu halten, Sie Idiot?Would you be so kind as to keep your mouth shut, you idiot?
- Verdammt nochmal, sei endlich still, du Idiot!Dammit, finally be quiet, you idiot!
- Halt den Mund, du Idiot, und hör auf zu schreien.Shut up, you idiot, and stop screaming.
- Halt den Mund, du Idiot, das ist so nervig.Shut up, you idiot, that is so annoying.
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are arguing during a board game.
- FelixDu hast die falsche Karte gespielt!You played the wrong card!
- SarahDas stimmt gar nicht, Felix!That is not true at all, Felix!
- FelixHalt den Mund, du Idiot!Shut up, you idiot!
- SarahDas ist wirklich sehr unfreundlich.That is really very unkind.
