setz dich
To say "sit down" in German, use setz dich.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to assume a sitting position from a standing position.
Meaning: to assume a sitting position from a standing position (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is reflexive, literally meaning "sit yourself" (setz = sit, dich = yourself).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form setz dich is the singular informal imperative. When addressing a group of people informally, such as friends or children, use setzt euch instead. In spoken German, it is very common to extend the phrase by adding the particle hin to form setz dich hin.
Did you know?
- In many German regions, if you want to invite someone to sit in a more polite or social way, you might say Nimm Platz instead, which literally means 'take place'.
- Using the word doch in Setz dich doch hin actually functions as a 'magic' particle that softens the command, making it sound like a friendly suggestion rather than a harsh order.
- The word dich in setz dich is a direct descendant of the Old High German word dih, which has been used to denote the reflexive 'yourself' for over a millennium.
Examples in context
- Nein, setz dich hin.No, sit down.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the extended particle form in a negative response.Tatoeba #444750 by al_ex_an_der, translation #65861 by Zifre
- Setz dich bitte hin!Please sit down.This sentence is useful for a polite informal request.Tatoeba #8641771 by Melang, translation #415594 by CM
- Bitte setz dich doch!Sit down, please.This sentence is useful for a polite request using 'doch'.Tatoeba #415597 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #38571 by CK
- Bitte setzen Sie sich. Die Veranstaltung beginnt in wenigen Minuten.Please have a seat. The event will start in a few minutes.
- Setz dich bitte hin. Der Film fängt gleich an.Please sit down. The movie will start soon.
- Können Sie sich bitte hinsetzen? Die Sitzung beginnt in Kürze.Can you please sit down? The meeting will start shortly.
- Kannst du dich bitte hinsetzen? Das Essen ist gleich fertig.Can you please sit down? The food will be ready soon.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, Laura wants Felix to take a seat.
- LauraDer Platz ist frei, setz dich.The seat is free, sit down.
- FelixDanke, Laura. Ist es hier zu laut?Thanks, Laura. Is it too loud here?
- LauraNein, es ist gemütlich.No, it is cozy.
- FelixAlles klar, dann bleibe ich hier.Alright, then I will stay here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
