Lass dir Zeit
The English phrase 'take your time' can be translated into German as Lass dir Zeit.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they do not need to hurry. You can also say Nimm dir ausreichend Zeit! to mean 'Take enough time!' or use Nehmen Sie sich alle Zeit der Welt! to say 'Take all the time in the world!'
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Lass dir Zeit translates to 'Let yourself time'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on whom you are addressing. To address one person formally, use Lassen Sie sich Zeit. When addressing a group of people informally, use Lasst euch Zeit.
Did you know?
- The German word Zeit is a close relative of the English word 'tide'. In Old English, 'tide' referred to time or a season rather than the movement of the ocean.
- Unlike the English 'take', which implies seizing something, the German Lass in Lass dir Zeit means 'let' or 'allow', suggesting that time is something permitted rather than taken.
- In a formal business setting, using the informal Lass dir Zeit instead of the formal Lassen Sie sich Zeit could be seen as overly familiar or even rude.
Examples in context
- Lass dir Zeit, Yoshida.Take your time, Yoshida.This example shows how to use Lass dir Zeit when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #608395 by virgil, translation #19977 by shekitten
- Ach, lass dir Zeit. Ich habe keine Eile.Oh, take your time. I'm in no hurry.This example shows how to use Lass dir Zeit when you are in no hurry.Tatoeba #2807889 by freddy1, translation #72130 by CM
- Lass dir Zeit! Das ist ein Marathon, kein Sprint.Take your time. It's a marathon, not a sprint.This example uses Lass dir Zeit to emphasize that a task should not be rushed.Tatoeba #6107586 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3118279 by Hybrid
- Ja klar, nimm dir Zeit! Ich habe heute den ganzen Tag Zeit.Sure, take your time! I have the whole day free.
- Ja, natürlich, nehmen Sie sich Zeit!Yes, of course, take your time!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas is slowly packing his bag while Hannah waits.
- HannahBist du schon fertig, Lukas?Are you ready yet, Lukas?
- LukasIch muss nur noch kurz meine Unterlagen suchen.I just need to look for my documents quickly.
- HannahKein Problem, lass dir Zeit.No problem, take your time.
- LukasDanke, Hannah. Ich bin gleich so weit.Thanks, Hannah. I'll be ready in a moment.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeit, dir, lass, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
