du bist klein
The English phrase 'you're short' can be expressed in German as du bist klein.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they have a small physical height. In German, the word used for physical stature is 'klein', which literally means 'small'.
Which one should you use?
While du bist klein is the standard way to say 'you are short' regarding physical height, it literally translates to 'you are small'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who you are addressing. Use du bist klein for one person informally, but if you are addressing a group of people informally, use ihr seid klein. For formal singular or plural address, use Sie sind klein.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use du bist kurz to describe a person's height. However, kurz refers to length or duration, whereas klein should be used to refer to physical stature.
Did you know?
- While klein is used for height, it originally meant something closer to 'shining', 'fine' or 'splendid' in Old High German. It evolved from describing something 'fine' to describing something 'small'.
- If you want to describe a person as petite or delicately built rather than just short, you might use the word zierlich. This comes from a word that originally meant 'decorative'.
Examples in context
- Du bist klein, aber du bist sehr schnell.You're short, but you are very fast.
- Warum sagst du, du bist klein?Why do you say you are short?
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are talking about their heights in a park.
- FelixDu bist klein, Julia.You're short, Julia.
- JuliaDas stimmt, ich bin nicht sehr groß.That's true, I am not very tall.
- FelixAber du bist sehr sportlich.But you are very athletic.
- JuliaDanke, das ist lieb von dir, Felix.Thanks, that is kind of you, Felix.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, klein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
