leg dich ruhig mit mir an
The English phrase 'try me' can be translated into German as leg dich ruhig mit mir an.
This phrase is used as a direct provocation to signal that you are not intimidated by a threat or an argument, essentially daring someone to fight or argue with you.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase leg dich ruhig mit mir an is colloquial. For a formal setting, you can use Sie können mich gerne herausfordern. If you are speaking informally, you might say Wenn du dich traust, dann versuch's doch bei mir.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb anlegen is a separable verb. In an imperative command like this one, the prefix an is separated from the main part of the verb and placed at the end of the phrase.
Did you know?
- In German, the concept of 'trying someone' in a challenge is expressed through the imagery of 'laying' oneself against another person.
- The word ruhig in this phrase actually means 'quiet' or 'calm' in its literal sense. Using it here adds a layer of sarcastic indifference, as if to say 'go ahead and try, it won't bother me'.
- The verb anlegen is most commonly used to describe the act of putting on a piece of clothing or starting a garden.
Examples in context
- Leg dich ruhig mit mir an.Go ahead and try me.
Example conversation
A heated argument between two coworkers in an office.
- MaximilianDu bist viel zu laut im Büro.You are much too loud in the office.
- SarahLeg dich ruhig mit mir an, Maximilian!Go ahead and try me, Maximilian!
- MaximilianIch wollte nur eine Grenze setzen.I only wanted to set a boundary.
- SarahDas war eine Provokation.That was a provocation.
