mit Vergnügen
The English phrase "with pleasure" is translated into German as mit Vergnügen.
mit Vergnügen is used to indicate that one is doing something willingly and without argument.
Meaning: willingly, without argument (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition mit (with) and the noun Vergnügen (pleasure/delight).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mit Vergnügen is a formal way to express this sentiment and can sound slightly more old-fashioned or literary than other options. In everyday, informal conversation, Germans more commonly use the single word Gerne! or Sehr gerne! to mean "with pleasure" or "I'd love to".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the phrase Mit Gaudi can be used to mean "with joy".
When do people say it?
If someone thanks you, you might use Gern geschehen, which translates to "gladly done", as an appropriate response.
Did you know?
- The word Vergnügen comes from genug, meaning 'enough'. Originally, it described the feeling of being satisfied or having 'enough' of something.
- While mit Vergnügen is formal, using it in a casual setting can sometimes be perceived as ironic or slightly sarcastic, as if the speaker is playing a role in a period drama.
- German distinguishes between Vergnügen, which is often a refined pleasure, and Freude, which describes a deeper, more emotional joy.
Examples in context
- Sie sagte, sie werde dies mit Vergnügen tun.She said she would do this with pleasure.This sentence shows how to use mit Vergnügen in a reported speech context.Tatoeba #2756320 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12207260 by mayabe
- Ich mag es nicht, Geschäft mit Vergnügen zu verbinden.I don't like to mix business with pleasure.This example illustrates the idiomatic use of mit Vergnügen in the phrase 'mix business with pleasure'.Tatoeba #506106 by Espi, translation #257902 by CK
- Mit Vergnügen!With pleasure!This sentence shows how to use mit Vergnügen as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #5344015 by wochenweise, translation #2784963 by shekitten
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian asks Laura to help him with a task at work.
- MaximilianLaura, kannst du mir bitte bei diesem Projekt helfen?Laura, can you please help me with this project?
- LauraJa, das mache ich mit Vergnügen.Yes, I will do that with pleasure.
- MaximilianDas ist sehr nett von dir.That is very kind of you.
- LauraGerne geschehen, Maximilian.You're welcome, Maximilian.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vergnügen, mit, vergnügen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
