Sag mir
The English phrase "tell me" is translated into German as Sag mir.
In German, sagen (to tell/say) is used for conveying information, whereas erzählen (to tell) is used for narrating a story or recounting events in detail.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase Sag mir, Sag is the imperative form of sagen (to say/tell) and mir is the dative form of ich (me).
Which one should you use?
The form Erzähl mal translates to "tell me" or "tell me a bit".
How does it change in a sentence?
Sag mir is the imperative singular, used when addressing one person informally. If you are addressing a group of people informally, use Sagt mir. For addressing one or more people formally, use the polite imperative Sagen Sie mir.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Sag mir, wie es war!Tell me what it was like.This sentence is useful for asking about an experience using Sag mir.Tatoeba #7449827 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2568582 by Hybrid
- Sag mir die Wahrheit!Tell me the truth.This sentence is useful for requesting the truth using Sag mir.Tatoeba #1827761 by Tamy, translation #321441 by CK
- Los, sag mir’s schon!Come on, tell me!This sentence is useful for an encouraging, casual request using Sag mir.Tatoeba #2718694 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2718499 by Hybrid
- Können Sie mir von der Geschichte erzählen?Can you tell me about the history?
- Sag mir, wie dein Tag warTell me how your day was
- Erzähl mal von deinem Urlaub!Tell me about your vacation!
- Kannst du mir sagen…Can you tell me…
- 277 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are talking about a surprise party.
- MaximilianSag mir, wer zu der Party kommt.Tell me who is coming to the party.
- SarahIch kann es dir noch nicht sagen.I can't tell you yet.
- MaximilianKomm schon, Sarah, sag mir doch!Come on, Sarah, tell me!
- SarahVielleicht sage ich es dir morgen.Maybe I will tell you tomorrow.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
