Ja klar
The English phrase "yeah sure" is translated into German as Ja klar.
Ja klar can be used both as a genuine enthusiastic agreement and as a sarcastic way to say "Yeah, right" depending on the tone of voice.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ja (yes) and klar (clear/obvious).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ja klar is an informal way to say "yeah sure". Jo, klar is a more colloquial, slangy version of Ja klar often used among friends.
Did you know?
- While Ja klar means 'yeah sure', Germans often use a simple Ja as a 'modal particle' in the middle of a sentence to add a sense of confirmation or empathy, rather than just to answer a question.
- The German language uses ja in the phrase Jawohl to indicate a formal or military 'yes', which is far more rigid than the casual Ja klar.
- The word klar shares its DNA with the English word 'clear', as both trace back to the Latin 'clārus' meaning 'bright'.
Examples in context
- Ja sicher, ich werde es bis morgen fertigstellen.Yeah sure, I'll have it finished by tomorrow.
- Ja klar, ich habe richtig Lust auf Pizza!Yeah sure, I'm really in the mood for pizza!
- Ja klar, das mache ich.Yeah sure, I'll do that.
- Ja klar, kein Problem.Yeah sure, no problem.
Example conversation
Julian asks Hannah if she wants to go to the cinema.
- JulianHannah, hast du Lust auf Kino?Hannah, do you feel like going to the cinema?
- HannahJa klar, ich komme gerne mit.Yeah sure, I'd love to come along.
- JulianSuper, ich hole dich um acht ab.Great, I'll pick you up at eight.
- HannahAlles klar, bis dann!Alright, see you then!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ja, ja, klar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
