deine Zeit verschwenden
The English phrase 'waste your time' is expressed in German as deine Zeit verschwenden.
This phrase is used to describe using time in a way that is not useful or productive. If you want to refer to the concept of 'a waste of time' as a noun, use the word Zeitverschwendung.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the phrase to mean 'to waste our time', replace 'deine' with 'unsere' to get unsere Zeit verschwenden. When addressing someone formally, replace 'deine' with 'Ihre'.
Did you know?
- In German, the concept of wasting time is often paired with the word töten, meaning 'to kill'. The phrase Zeit töten is used when you are bored and just trying to pass the time.
- The word verschwenden is derived from the word verschwinden, which means 'to disappear'. Originally, to waste something was literally to make it disappear.
- German speakers use the noun Zeitverschwendung as a common exclamation on its own. Simply saying Zeitverschwendung! functions as a way to dismiss an entire activity as pointless.
Examples in context
- Du solltest nicht deine Zeit verschwenden.You should not waste your time.This sentence shows how to use deine Zeit verschwenden in a negative suggestion.Tatoeba #353046 by MUIRIEL, translation #264026 by CC
- Ich werde Sie nicht weiter mit diesem Thema belasten, um Ihre Zeit nicht zu verschwenden.I won't burden you further with this topic in order not to waste your time.
- Ich möchte Ihren Zeitplan nicht stören oder Ihre Zeit vergeuden, aber ich hätte noch eine Frage.I don't want to disrupt your schedule or waste your time, but I have another question.
- Warum willst du deine Zeit mit diesem langweiligen Film verschwenden?Why do you want to waste your time with this boring movie?
- Lass uns nicht unsere Zeit verschwenden und es lieber gleich erledigen.Let's not waste our time and get it done right away.
- Willst du wirklich deine Zeit verschwenden?Do you really want to waste your time?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is giving Julian advice about a boring project.
- JuliaLies das Buch nicht, Julian.Don't read the book, Julian.
- JulianWarum sollte ich es nicht lesen?Why shouldn't I read it?
- JuliaDu wirst nur deine Zeit verschwenden.You will only waste your time.
- JulianDanke für den Tipp, Julia.Thanks for the tip, Julia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeit, verschwenden, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
