What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a separable verb construction where hör comes from aufhören (to stop/cease) and damit means "with it" or "with that".
Which one should you use?
While Hör auf! is a more abrupt, direct command to stop an action, hör damit auf specifically targets a particular behavior or activity (the "that" part).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For an informal way to say "Stop it!", you can use Hör auf damit! In colloquial settings, Lass das sein! can be used to mean "Stop doing that!", while Lass das! is a common, slightly more colloquial way to tell someone to stop doing something annoying or to stop touching something. If you need to be formal, you can use Lassen Sie das bitte sein. for "Please stop that" or Unterlassen Sie das sofort. to mean "Cease that immediately". Additionally, Stopp mal! serves as an informal variation of "Stop!"
Did you know?
- The verb aufhören describes stopping, but its components auf and hören literally mean 'up' and 'hear'.
- While hör damit auf is common, using the word stopp is a relatively recent adoption from English into German.
- In colloquial German, adding the particle mal to Stopp mal! softens the command, making it sound more like a request and less like an order.
Examples in context
- Hör damit auf!Stop that!
- Du nervst mich, hör damit auf.You are annoying me, stop that.
- Bitte hör damit auf, es ist laut.Please stop that, it is loud.
Example conversation
Felix is making annoying clicking sounds with a pen while Hannah tries to work.
- HannahFelix, hör damit auf!Felix, stop that!
- FelixWas mache ich denn?What am I doing?
- HannahDas Klicken mit dem Stift, hör damit auf.The clicking with the pen, stop that.
- FelixTut mir leid, ich höre auf.I am sorry, I will stop.
