du bist unhöflich
The English phrase 'you're rude' is translated into German as du bist unhöflich.
This phrase is used to tell someone that their behavior is not polite.
Which one should you use?
du bist unhöflich uses the informal 'du', which is appropriate for friends, family or children, but it can sound overly aggressive or condescending if used with a stranger.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use Sie sind unhöflich when addressing a stranger, a superior or someone in a formal setting to maintain professional distance while making the accusation.
Did you know?
- The word 'Höflichkeit' (politeness) implies a sense of behaving in a way that is fit for a 'Hof', or a royal court.
- The word du shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root as the archaic English word 'thou'.
- Calling someone unhöflich is often considered more of a clinical observation of behavior than a personal attack. In contrast, using the word frech suggests a more playful or childish boldness.
Examples in context
- Du bist unhöflich und respektlos.You're rude and disrespectful.This sentence is useful for adding the word 'disrespectful' to the phrase du bist unhöflich.Tatoeba #7060499 by raggione, translation #7060497 by raggione
- Du bist unhöflich zu mir.You are rude to me.
- Ich finde, du bist unhöflich.I think you are rude.
Example conversation
Julian interrupts Julia while she is speaking.
- JuliaLass mich bitte ausreden.Please let me finish speaking.
- JulianDas ist mir egal.I don't care.
- JuliaJulian, du bist unhöflich!Julian, you're rude!
- JulianTut mir leid, Julia.I'm sorry, Julia.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, unhöflich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
