hör auf damit
The English phrase "stop it" can be translated into German as hör auf damit.
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to end an annoying or unwanted action. While hör auf damit specifically emphasizes stopping a particular, ongoing behavior or thing, the shorter Hör auf! acts as a more general command to cease an action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative of aufhören (to stop/cease) and damit (with it/with that).
Which one should you use?
Hör auf! is a general command to cease an action, whereas Hör auf damit! specifically emphasizes stopping a particular, ongoing behavior or thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech, the damit is often dropped, leaving just the command hör auf. When addressing more than one person informally, the imperative form changes to hört auf damit. In formal speech, the verb aufhören is used with the polite pronoun Sie and the separable prefix auf is placed at the end of the sentence, as in hören Sie damit auf.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says hör auf while smiling, it often indicates they are actually enjoying the teasing, despite the literal meaning.
- The word auf in hör auf shares the same ancient roots as the English word 'up', tracing back to the Proto-Germanic *upp.
- A German speaker might use hör auf to express disbelief or a plea for someone to stop joking, even if the action is not annoying.
Examples in context
- Das tut weh! Hör auf damit!That hurts! Stop it!This example shows how to use hör auf damit when someone is causing physical pain.Tatoeba #4605329 by Manfredo, translation #4297291 by trieuho
- Herrgott nochmal, hör auf damit!For Christ's sake, stop it!This example demonstrates using hör auf damit! to express frustration or emphasis.Tatoeba #3762221 by Wuzzy, translation #3762213 by Wuzzy
- Paul, kannst du aufhören, meine Sachen zu nehmen?Paul, can you stop taking my things?
- Entschuldigung, ich hör auf.Sorry, I'll stop.
- Max, hör auf, mich zu ärgern!Max, stop teasing me!
- Entschuldigung, ich lass das sein.Sorry, I'll stop doing that.
- Hey, lass das sein, es ist nicht lustig.Hey, stop it, it's not funny.
- Hör auf damit!Stop it!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is teasing Julia by taking her pen.
- JuliaMaximilian, gib mir meinen Stift zurück!Maximilian, give me my pen back!
- MaximilianNein, ich will ihn behalten.No, I want to keep it.
- JuliaHör auf damit, das ist nicht lustig.Stop it, that is not funny.
- MaximilianOkay, ich gebe ihn dir wieder.Okay, I will give it back to you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, damit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
