sauber bleiben
/ˈzaʊ̯bɐ ˈblaɪ̯bən/word by word
The English phrase 'stay out of trouble' is translated into German as sauber bleiben.
This phrase is used to avoid doing things that are illegal or would cause problems with authority. It can also be used as a way to tell someone to avoid getting into mischief.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, sauber bleiben means 'to stay clean'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sauber bleiben is a colloquial expression. For informal situations, you might also use the phrase Sei vorsichtig und halte dich aus Ärger heraus! or Pass auf und bleib aus Schwierigkeiten raus!
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzaʊ̯bɐ ˈblaɪ̯bən/
Did you know?
- In German criminal underworld slang, a person who is sauber is someone who has not betrayed their associates to the police. It describes a person who keeps their record and their loyalty 'clean'.
- The word sauber shares an ancient root with the English word 'sober'. In its original Latin form, it described someone who was not intoxicated.
- While sauber usually means 'clean', in some southern German dialects it is used as an exclamation of approval similar to 'spot on' or 'well done'.
Examples in context
- Hey, pass auf und bleib aus Schwierigkeiten raus, wenn du mit deinen Freunden unterwegs bist.Hey, pay attention and stay out of trouble when you're out with your friends.
- Pass auf dich auf und bleib sauber!Take care of yourself and stay out of trouble!
- Du musst einfach sauber bleiben.You just have to stay out of trouble.
Example conversation
Hannah is giving Julian advice before he starts a probation period.
- HannahPass bitte auf dich auf, Julian.Please take care of yourself, Julian.
- JulianIch weiß, ich werde sauber bleiben.I know, I will stay out of trouble.
- HannahDas ist die einzige Chance für dich.That is the only chance for you.
- JulianKeine Sorge, ich mache keine Fehler mehr.Don't worry, I won't make any more mistakes.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sauber, bleiben) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bleiben, sauber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
