du kannst genauso gut
The English phrase "you might as well" is translated into German as du kannst genauso gut.
This phrase is used to suggest that a particular action is the most sensible choice because there is no better alternative. It expresses that an action is acceptable or even preferable because the alternative is equally bad or non-existent.
Which one should you use?
The choice of form depends on whom you are addressing. Use du kannst genauso gut for a single person informally, ihr könnt genauso gut for a group of people informally and Sie können genauso gut to address someone formally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, a variation used is Es wär nüt schlächt, wänn du's machsch, which means "It wouldn't be bad if you did it."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the subject: du kannst genauso gut for singular informal, ihr könnt genauso gut for plural informal and Sie können genauso gut for formal.
Did you know?
- The word du is a distant relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both originate from the same Proto-Germanic root for the second person singular.
- The word genauso is a compound of genau, meaning 'exact', and so, meaning 'that way'. Together they create a sense of perfect equivalence between two options.
- While English uses the modal verb 'might' to express possibility, the German phrase du kannst genauso gut literally uses the verb 'können', which means 'to be able to'.
Examples in context
- Du kannst genauso gut zu Hause bleiben.You might as well stay at home.
- Du kannst genauso gut heute schon gehen.You might as well leave today.
- Du kannst genauso gut das rote Kleid anziehen.You might as well wear the red dress.
- Du kannst genauso gut jetzt essen, wenn du Hunger hast.You might as well eat now if you are hungry.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are deciding how to get home in the rain.
- LukasDas Taxi ist viel zu teuer.The taxi is way too expensive.
- LauraWas machen wir dann jetzt?What do we do now then?
- LukasDu kannst genauso gut laufen, Laura.You might as well walk, Laura.
- LauraOkay, nehmen wir den Regenschirm.Okay, let's take the umbrella.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, genauso, gut, CC BY-SA 4.0.
