What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal combination of Hör (hear/listen), sofort (immediately) and the particle auf (on), which together form the separable verb aufhören (to stop/cease).
Which one should you use?
You can use Hör jetzt auf! to say 'Stop now!' or Jetzt lass es sein! for 'Stop it now!' in an informal context. For a formal approach, Hören Sie jetzt auf! translates to 'Stop it now!' and Unterlassen Sie das bitte sofort! translates to 'Please stop that immediately!'
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are commanding more than one person to stop, you must use the plural imperative form Hört sofort auf instead of the singular Hör sofort auf. To use this command in a formal setting or when addressing a stranger politely, use the form Hören Sie sofort auf. To specify that someone should stop a particular action (the 'it' in 'stop it'), you can add damit (with that) to the phrase, resulting in Hör sofort damit auf.
Did you know?
- The verb aufhören literally combines 'hear' and 'on'. In older contexts, it referred to the moment a listener stopped hearing a sound because the noise had ceased.
- While Hör sofort auf is a command, German speakers often use the phrase Hör mal auf with the particle mal to make the request sound less aggressive and more like a casual suggestion.
- To express 'Stop it!' in a way that implies 'Stop bothering me', Germans often say Lass mich in Ruhe, which literally means 'Leave me in peace'.
Examples in context
- Hören Sie jetzt auf! Dieses Verhalten ist unakzeptabel!Stop it now! This behavior is unacceptable!
- Hör jetzt auf damit! Es nervt echt!Stop doing it now! It's really annoying!
- Hör sofort auf damit!Stop it right now!
- Hör sofort auf zu lachen.Stop laughing immediately.
- Hör sofort auf, mich zu ärgern.Stop annoying me right now.
Example conversation
Felix is teasing Hannah about her new haircut.
- HannahHör sofort auf, mich zu ärgern!Stop annoying me right now!
- FelixIch mache doch gar nichts.I'm not doing anything at all.
- HannahDu weißt genau, was ich meine.You know exactly what I mean.
- FelixOkay, okay, ich höre auf.Okay, okay, I'll stop.
