hör auf zu reden
The English phrase "stop talking" is translated into German as hör auf zu reden.
hör auf zu reden is a command used to tell someone to be quiet or to end their speech. This phrase is a direct command and can sound quite blunt or rude depending on the tone of voice used.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the separable verb aufhören (to stop/cease) and the infinitive reden (to talk/speak).
Which one should you use?
Hör auf zu reden is the singular informal imperative, used when telling one person you know well to be quiet.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people you know well (friends or children), the imperative form is Hört auf zu reden. To use this command politely or formally with a stranger or superior, use the formal imperative Hören Sie auf zu reden.
Did you know?
- If you want to sound much more aggressive than hör auf zu reden, you might shout Halt den Mund!, which literally translates to 'Hold the mouth!'
- German has a specific word Redeschwall to describe the 'flood of words' that someone might be producing right before they are told Hör auf zu reden.
- The verb reden is related to the English word 'read', as both stem from a common Germanic root meaning to counsel, interpret, or explain a text.
Examples in context
- Hör auf zu reden und fang an zu arbeiten!Stop talking and start working!Tatoeba #2128871 by al_ex_an_der, translation #5223824 by Cainntear
- Hör auf zu reden und geh zurück an die Arbeit!Stop talking and get back to work.Tatoeba #5694094 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5692121 by CK
- Hör auf zu reden und hör mir zu.Stop talking and listen to me.Tatoeba #407488 by MUIRIEL, translation #65046 by CK
- Entschuldigung, könnten Sie bitte kurz aufhören zu reden? Es gibt gerade eine wichtige Ankündigung.Excuse me, could you please stop talking for a moment? There is an important announcement right now.
- Hör mal kurz auf zu reden, ich muss etwas Wichtiges besprechen.Stop talking for a moment, I need to discuss something important.
Example conversation
In a library, Sarah is trying to study while Lukas talks.
- SarahLukas, hör auf zu reden!Lukas, stop talking!
- LukasEs tut mir leid, Sarah.I am sorry, Sarah.
- SarahIch muss jetzt wirklich lernen.I really must study now.
- LukasOkay, ich bin jetzt leise.Okay, I will be quiet now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, reden, zu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
