bleib genau da stehen
The English phrase "stop right there" is translated into German as bleib genau da stehen.
This phrase is used as a command to freeze someone's physical movement in place, often used by police or in confrontational situations. While bleib genau da stehen focuses on staying in a specific spot, the single word Halt! is a more common, abrupt command to cease all movement. Additionally, Halt sofort! means "stop immediately!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bleib (stay), genau (exactly/right), da (there) and stehen (to stand/to be standing).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form bleib genau da stehen uses the informal imperative, suitable for friends, children or in high-stress command situations. Use bleiben Sie genau da stehen for formal address. If you are addressing a group of people, use the plural imperative bleibt genau da stehen.
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Examples in context
- Halt, bleib genau da stehen.Stop, stay exactly where you are.
- Du darfst nicht weitergehen, bleib genau da stehen.You cannot go any further, stop right there.
Example conversation
A game of hide and seek in a garden.
- JuliaIch habe dich gefunden! Bleib genau da stehen!I found you! Stop right there!
- FelixMist, du bist viel zu schnell!Darn, you are much too fast!
- JuliaJetzt bewegst du dich nicht mehr, Felix.Now you aren't moving anymore, Felix.
- FelixOkay, ich stehe still.Okay, I am standing still.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries da, genau, stehen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
