du bist schlecht
The English phrase 'you're bad' is translated into German as du bist schlecht.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they lack skill or are not good at a particular activity.
Which one should you use?
While the word schlecht can mean 'evil' or 'morally bad', when used in the context of skills or performance, it specifically means 'poor' or 'unskilled'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase du bist schlecht uses the informal singular pronoun du, which is used when speaking to one person you know well. To say 'you are bad' to a stranger or in a formal setting, use Sie sind schlecht.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use böse to mean 'bad' at a skill, but böse refers to being morally wicked or feeling angry.
Did you know?
- If you say mir ist schlecht, you are saying you feel sick, but ich bin schlecht suggests you are a bad person or unskilled.
- The word schlecht is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'slight', sharing a common root that relates to being thin or meager.
- The word schlecht shares a root with the word schlicht, which means 'simple' or 'plain'.
Examples in context
- Du bist schlecht in Mathe, aber ich kann dir helfen.You are bad at math, but I can help you.
- Du bist schlecht im Schach.You are bad at chess.
- Ich finde, du bist schlecht in Mathe.I think you are bad at math.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are playing a video game together.
- LukasDu bist schlecht in diesem Spiel, Hannah.You are bad at this game, Hannah.
- HannahDas stimmt, ich bin noch Anfängerin.That's true, I am still a beginner.
- LukasAber du wirst noch besser werden.But you will get better.
- HannahDanke, Lukas, du bist sehr nett.Thanks, Lukas, you are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, schlecht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
