Learning how to express urgency is a crucial part of mastering any language. In German, saying “hurry up” involves more than just a direct translation; it requires understanding the nuances of different phrases and their appropriate contexts.
This guide provides a detailed exploration of various ways to convey “hurry up” in German, covering everything from informal expressions to more formal commands. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the vocabulary and knowledge to express urgency effectively in German conversations.
This guide will benefit students, travelers, and anyone looking to improve their German language skills by delving into the nuances of everyday expressions.
This article will cover the most common ways to express “hurry up,” along with examples, usage guidelines, and potential pitfalls. We’ll also explore the grammatical structures involved and offer practice exercises to reinforce your learning.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently and appropriately tell someone to “hurry up” in German.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Hurry Up” in German
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Phrases
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Hurry Up” in German
The English phrase “hurry up” conveys a sense of urgency and prompts someone to act more quickly. In German, this concept can be expressed through various phrases, each with its own nuance and level of formality. The most common translations involve verbs like sich beeilen (to hurry oneself) and expressions that emphasize speed or promptness. Understanding the context and the relationship with the person you’re addressing is crucial when choosing the appropriate phrase.
The function of these phrases is to encourage faster action, whether it’s in a casual setting among friends or in a more professional environment. The choice of words can also reflect the degree of urgency and the speaker’s level of authority or familiarity.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of German phrases for “hurry up” can vary depending on the specific expression used. Here’s a breakdown of some common structures:
- Reflexive Verbs: Many expressions use the reflexive verb sich beeilen. The structure is typically: sich (reflexive pronoun) + beeilen (verb). The reflexive pronoun changes based on the subject (ich beeile mich, du beeilst dich, er/sie/es beeilt sich, etc.).
- Imperative Form: For direct commands, the imperative form of the verb is used. For example, Beeil dich! (Hurry up!). The imperative form varies depending on whether you’re addressing someone formally (Beeilen Sie sich!) or informally (Beeil dich!).
- Modal Verbs: Modal verbs like müssen (must) or sollen (should) can be used to add emphasis or a sense of obligation. For example, Du musst dich beeilen! (You must hurry up!).
- Adverbs: Adverbs like schnell (quickly) or rasch (rapidly) can be added to emphasize the speed required. For example, Beeil dich schnell! (Hurry up quickly!).
Types and Categories of “Hurry Up” Phrases
There are several ways to say “hurry up” in German, categorized by formality and grammatical structure. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate expression for any given situation.
Informal Expressions
Informal expressions are used among friends, family, and people you know well. They often involve contractions or more casual vocabulary.
These phrases are suitable for relaxed settings where a direct and friendly tone is appropriate.
Formal Expressions
Formal expressions are used in professional settings, with superiors, or when addressing someone you don’t know well. They typically involve the formal “Sie” and more polite language.
Using formal expressions shows respect and maintains a professional distance.
Imperative Form
The imperative form is used to give direct commands. It’s essential to use the correct imperative form depending on whether you’re addressing someone formally or informally.
The imperative form is direct and should be used when you have the authority or permission to give a command.
With Modal Verbs
Modal verbs such as müssen (must), sollen (should), or können (can) can be used to add a sense of obligation, necessity, or possibility to the command. This can soften the tone or add emphasis depending on the modal verb used.
Examples
Here are some examples of how to say “hurry up” in German, categorized by formality and grammatical structure. These examples will help you understand the nuances of each phrase and when to use them appropriately.
Informal Examples
These examples are suitable for use with friends, family, and people you know well.
The following table provides a range of informal ways to say “Hurry up!” in German, complete with English translations and contexts.
| German Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Beeil dich! | Hurry up! | General informal use |
| Mach schnell! | Do it quickly! / Hurry up! | When someone is taking too long to do something. |
| Los, mach hin! | Come on, hurry up! | Encouraging someone to be faster. |
| Zack, zack! | Chop, chop! / Quick, quick! | Playful, informal encouragement. |
| Hau rein! | Get cracking! | Informal encouragement to start something quickly. |
| Nun aber dalli! | Now, be quick! | Encouraging someone to hurry up. |
| Nicht trödeln! | Don’t dawdle! | When someone is moving too slowly. |
| Mach voran! | Get a move on! | Encouraging someone to proceed quickly. |
| Spitz die Ohren und beeil dich! | Prick up your ears and hurry up! | Playful yet urgent command. |
| Wir haben keine Zeit zu verlieren! | We have no time to lose! | Expressing urgency due to time constraints. |
| Rühr dich! | Move it! | Direct and informal command to hurry. |
| Leg einen Zahn zu! | Put on a spurt! (Speed up!) | Encouraging someone to increase their speed. |
| Tempo, bitte! | Tempo, please! | Asking for more speed. |
| Schnell, schnell! | Quick, quick! | Repeating “quick” for emphasis. |
| Wir müssen uns sputen! | We must hurry! | Expressing the need for haste. |
| Komm schon, beeil dich! | Come on, hurry up! | Encouraging and urging someone. |
| Jetzt aber! | Now then! (Get a move on!) | Signaling it’s time to hurry. |
| Auf geht’s, beeil dich! | Let’s go, hurry up! | Encouraging and urging someone to start. |
| Ranhalten! | Get a move on! | Informal way of saying “Hurry up!”. |
| Zieh dich hoch! | Pull yourself up! (Get a move on!) | Expressing the need for haste. |
| Eile mit Weile! (ironic) | More haste, less speed! | Ironically telling someone to slow down while still implying they should hurry. |
| Lass uns keine Zeit verschwenden! | Let’s not waste any time! | Urging to hurry by pointing out wasted time. |
| Hopp hopp! | Hop hop! | Playful encouragement to hurry. |
| Beeil dich mal! | Hurry up a bit! | Slightly more polite informal urging. |
| Wir schaffen das, beeil dich! | We can do it, hurry up! | Encouraging while urging haste. |
| Nicht so langsam! | Not so slow! | Indirectly telling someone to hurry. |
| Zieh an! | Get going! (Hurry up!) | Informal way of urging someone to start quickly. |
Formal Examples
These examples are suitable for use in professional settings, with superiors, or when addressing someone you don’t know well.
The following table provides a range of formal ways to say “Hurry up!” in German, complete with English translations and contexts.
| German Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Beeilen Sie sich bitte! | Please hurry up! | Polite and formal request. |
| Würden Sie sich bitte beeilen? | Would you please hurry up? | Very polite and formal request. |
| Es wäre gut, wenn Sie sich beeilen könnten. | It would be good if you could hurry up. | Formal and indirect way of asking someone to hurry. |
| Bitte seien Sie so freundlich, sich zu beeilen. | Please be so kind as to hurry up. | Extremely formal and polite request. |
| Wir bitten Sie, sich zu beeilen. | We ask you to hurry up. | Formal request from a group or organization. |
| Es ist wichtig, dass Sie sich beeilen. | It is important that you hurry up. | Emphasizing the importance of being quick. |
| Bitte beschleunigen Sie den Vorgang. | Please expedite the process. | Formal request to speed up a task. |
| Könnten Sie bitte etwas schneller sein? | Could you please be a little faster? | Polite and formal request for more speed. |
| Wir haben es eilig. | We are in a hurry. | Indirect way of implying someone should hurry. |
| Es drängt die Zeit. | Time is pressing. | Indirect way of implying urgency. |
| Ich bitte um Ihre Eile. | I ask for your haste. | Formal request for speed. |
| Seien Sie bitte zügig. | Please be expeditious. | Formal request to be quick and efficient. |
| Wir müssen uns sputen. | We must hurry. | Formal way of saying they need to hurry. |
| Es ist von höchster Priorität, dass es schnell geht. | It is of utmost priority that it goes quickly. | Emphasizing the urgency of the situation. |
| Bitte erledigen Sie dies so schnell wie möglich. | Please complete this as quickly as possible. | Formal instruction to hurry with a task. |
| Wir sind unter Zeitdruck. | We are under time pressure. | Indirect way of implying the need to hurry. |
| Ich wäre Ihnen dankbar, wenn Sie sich beeilen könnten. | I would be grateful if you could hurry up. | Very polite and formal request. |
| Bitte beachten Sie die Dringlichkeit. | Please note the urgency. | Formal reminder of the need to hurry. |
| Handeln Sie bitte umgehend. | Please act immediately. | Formal instruction to act quickly. |
| Wir erwarten Ihre prompte Reaktion. | We expect your prompt reaction. | Formal expectation of quick action. |
| Bitte verschwenden Sie keine Zeit. | Please don’t waste any time. | Polite instruction to hurry and be efficient. |
| Es ist eilig! | It’s urgent! | Formal declaration of urgency. |
| Bitte beeilen Sie sich ein wenig. | Please hurry up a little. | Polite and formal request to hurry slightly. |
| Ihre rasche Bearbeitung ist erforderlich. | Your rapid processing is required. | Formal statement emphasizing the need for quick action. |
| Bitte seien Sie so schnell wie möglich. | Please be as quick as possible. | Formal request to be as fast as possible. |
| Wir sind in Zeitnot. | We are short on time. | Indirect way of implying someone should hurry. |
Imperative Examples
These examples use the imperative form to give direct commands.
The following table provides a range of imperative ways to say “Hurry up!” in German, complete with English translations and contexts.
| German Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Beeil dich! (informal) | Hurry up! | Direct command to a friend or family member. |
| Beeilen Sie sich! (formal) | Hurry up! | Direct command to someone you address formally. |
| Mach schnell! (informal) | Do quickly! / Hurry up! | Direct command to perform an action quickly. |
| Machen Sie schnell! (formal) | Do quickly! / Hurry up! | Formal command to perform an action quickly. |
| Sei schnell! (informal) | Be quick! | Direct command to be quick. |
| Seien Sie schnell! (formal) | Be quick! | Formal command to be quick. |
| Los! (informal) | Go! / Get going! | Short, direct command to start moving. |
| Auf geht’s! (informal) | Let’s go! / Get going! | Encouraging command to start. |
| Mach voran! (informal) | Get a move on! | Direct command to proceed quickly. |
| Machen Sie voran! (formal) | Get a move on! | Formal command to proceed quickly. |
| Rühr dich! (informal) | Move it! | Direct command to move quickly. |
| Ändere das! Beeil dich! (informal) | Change that! Hurry up! | Combining a command with urging haste. |
| Ändern Sie das! Beeilen Sie sich! (formal) | Change that! Hurry up! | Combining a command with urging haste (formal). |
| Denk nach! Beeil dich! (informal) | Think! Hurry up! | Commanding to think quickly and hurry. |
| Denken Sie nach! Beeilen Sie sich! (formal) | Think! Hurry up! | Commanding to think quickly and hurry (formal). |
| Lauf! Beeil dich! (informal) | Run! Hurry up! | Commanding to run and hurry. |
| Laufen Sie! Beeilen Sie sich! (formal) | Run! Hurry up! | Commanding to run and hurry (formal). |
| Spring! Beeil dich! (informal) | Jump! Hurry up! | Commanding to jump and hurry. |
| Springen Sie! Beeilen Sie sich! (formal) | Jump! Hurry up! | Commanding to jump and hurry (formal). |
| Fang an! Beeil dich! (informal) | Start! Hurry up! | Commanding to start and hurry. |
| Fangen Sie an! Beeilen Sie sich! (formal) | Start! Hurry up! | Commanding to start and hurry (formal). |
| Mach jetzt! Beeil dich! (informal) | Do it now! Hurry up! | Commanding to do it now and hurry. |
| Machen Sie jetzt! Beeilen Sie sich! (formal) | Do it now! Hurry up! | Commanding to do it now and hurry (formal). |
Modal Verb Examples
These examples use modal verbs to add a sense of obligation, necessity, or possibility.
The following table provides a range of ways to say “Hurry up!” in German using modal verbs, complete with English translations and contexts.
| German Phrase | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Du musst dich beeilen! | You must hurry up! | Expressing a strong obligation. |
| Sie müssen sich beeilen! | You must hurry up! (formal) | Expressing a strong obligation in a formal setting. |
| Du solltest dich beeilen. | You should hurry up. | Giving a recommendation or suggestion. |
| Sie sollten sich beeilen. | You should hurry up. (formal) | Giving a polite recommendation or suggestion in a formal setting. |
| Wir müssen uns beeilen. | We must hurry up. | Expressing a collective obligation. |
| Ich muss mich beeilen. | I must hurry up. | Expressing a personal obligation. |
| Du könntest dich beeilen. | You could hurry up. | Suggesting a possibility or option. |
| Sie könnten sich beeilen. | You could hurry up. (formal) | Politely suggesting a possibility or option in a formal setting. |
| Man muss sich beeilen. | One must hurry up. | General statement of necessity. |
| Du darfst keine Zeit verlieren, beeil dich! | You must not waste time, hurry up! | Combining prohibition of wasting time with a command to hurry. |
| Sie dürfen keine Zeit verlieren, beeilen Sie sich! | You must not waste time, hurry up! (formal) | Combining prohibition of wasting time with a command to hurry (formal). |
| Wir sollten uns sputen. | We should hurry. | Suggesting collective action. |
| Du musst schneller sein. | You must be faster. | Expressing the necessity to be quicker. |
| Sie müssen schneller sein. | You must be faster. (formal) | Expressing the necessity to be quicker in a formal setting. |
| Du könntest etwas schneller machen. | You could do it a bit faster. | Suggesting a faster pace. |
| Sie könnten etwas schneller machen. | You could do it a bit faster. (formal) | Suggesting a faster pace in a formal setting. |
| Wir sollten jetzt loslegen, beeilen wir uns! | We should start now, let’s hurry! | Combining a suggestion to start with a call to hurry. |
| Wir sollten jetzt loslegen, beeilen Sie sich! | We should start now, hurry up! (formal) | Combining a suggestion to start with a command to hurry (formal). |
| Du solltest dich ranhalten. | You should get a move on. | Suggesting an informal action. |
| Sie sollten sich ranhalten. | You should get a move on.(formal) | Suggesting a formal action. |
Usage Rules
When using phrases to say “hurry up” in German, it’s crucial to consider the context and your relationship with the person you’re addressing. Here are some general usage rules:
- Formality: Choose formal expressions when addressing superiors, people you don’t know well, or in professional settings. Use informal expressions with friends, family, and people you know well.
- Imperative Form: Use the correct imperative form based on whether you’re addressing someone formally (Sie) or informally (du). The formal imperative is formed by using the infinitive of the verb and adding Sie. The informal imperative is usually the stem of the verb in the present tense.
- Tone: Be mindful of your tone of voice. Even informal expressions can sound rude if delivered aggressively. A friendly and encouraging tone is usually more effective.
- Context: Consider the situation. Is it a genuine emergency, or are you simply impatient? Adjust your language accordingly. Overusing urgent language can diminish its impact.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes learners make when trying to say “hurry up” in German:
- Incorrect Reflexive Pronoun: Forgetting to use the correct reflexive pronoun with sich beeilen. For example, saying Ich beeile dich instead of Ich beeile mich.
- Using the Wrong Imperative Form: Using the informal imperative form when addressing someone formally, or vice versa. For example, saying Beeil Sie sich! instead of Beeilen Sie sich!.
- Literal Translations: Trying to translate “hurry up” directly, which can result in awkward or incorrect phrases. For example, *”Schnell oben!”* does not make sense.
- Ignoring Formality: Using informal language in formal situations, which can be disrespectful.
Here’s a table illustrating some common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ich beeile dich. | Ich beeile mich. | Correct reflexive pronoun. |
| Beeil Sie sich! | Beeilen Sie sich! | Correct formal imperative. |
| Schnell oben! | Beeil dich! / Mach schnell! | Use correct expression. |
| Beeil dich, Herr Schmidt! | Beeilen Sie sich, Herr Schmidt! | Use formal language in formal situations. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate German phrase to say “hurry up.”
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Informal)
Complete the sentences with the appropriate informal phrase for “Hurry up!”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Wir müssen los! _________! | Beeil dich! |
| 2. _________, wir haben keine Zeit! | Mach schnell! |
| 3. _________, wir verpassen den Zug! | Los, mach hin! |
| 4. _________, wir müssen pünktlich sein! | Zack, zack! |
| 5. _________, die Vorstellung beginnt gleich! | Hau rein! |
| 6. _________, wir wollen nicht zu spät kommen! | Nun aber dalli! |
| 7. _________, oder wir schaffen es nicht! | Nicht trödeln! |
| 8. _________, wir haben noch viel zu tun! | Mach voran! |
| 9. _________, wir müssen uns konzentrieren! | Spitz die Ohren und beeil dich! |
| 10. _________, die Zeit läuft uns davon! | Wir haben keine Zeit zu verlieren! |
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks (Formal)
Complete the sentences with the appropriate formal phrase for “Hurry up!”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Bitte, _________, wir haben einen wichtigen Termin. | beeilen Sie sich |
| 2. _________, der Zug fährt in wenigen Minuten ab. | Würden Sie sich bitte beeilen? |
| 3. _________, es ist dringend. | Bitte seien Sie so freundlich, sich zu beeilen. |
| 4. _________, wir müssen pünktlich sein. | Wir bitten Sie, sich zu beeilen. |
| 5. _________, es ist sehr wichtig. | Es ist wichtig, dass Sie sich beeilen. |
| 6. _________, wir haben keine Zeit zu verlieren. | Bitte beschleunigen Sie den Vorgang. |
| 7. _________, wir sind spät dran. | Könnten Sie bitte etwas schneller sein? |
| 8. _________, wir müssen schnell handeln. | Wir haben es eilig. |
| 9. _________, die Sitzung beginnt sofort. | Es drängt die Zeit. |
| 10. _________, es ist von höchster Priorität. | Ich bitte um Ihre Eile. |
Exercise 3: Translation
Translate the following sentences into German, using appropriate phrases for “hurry up.”
| English Sentence | German Translation |
|---|---|
| 1. Hurry up, we’re going to be late! (informal) | Beeil dich, wir kommen zu spät! |
| 2. Please hurry up, sir. (formal) | Beeilen Sie sich bitte, Herr! |
| 3. You must hurry up! | Du musst dich beeilen! |
| 4. Let’s hurry up, the movie is starting! | Beeilen wir uns, der Film fängt an! |
| 5. Hurry up, do it quickly! (informal) | Mach schnell, beeil dich! |
| 6. Would you please hurry up with that report? (formal) | Würden Sie sich bitte mit dem Bericht beeilen? |
| 7. We should hurry up, it’s getting late. | Wir sollten uns beeilen, es wird spät. |
| 8. Hurry up, get a move on! (informal) | Los, mach hin! |
| 9. Please be so kind as to hurry up. (formal) | Bitte seien Sie so freundlich, sich zu beeilen. |
| 10. You could hurry up a little. | Du könntest dich ein bisschen beeilen. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of expressing urgency in German:
- Subjunctive Mood: Using the subjunctive mood to express indirect requests or suggestions for hurrying up. For example, Es wäre wünschenswert, wenn Sie sich beeilen würden (It would be desirable if you would hurry up).
- Idiomatic Expressions: Exploring less common idiomatic expressions that convey urgency, such as Butter bei die Fische! (Get down to business!).
- Regional Variations: Understanding how different regions of Germany might use slightly different phrases or expressions to say “hurry up.”
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about saying “hurry up” in German:
- Is Beeil dich! always appropriate?
No, Beeil dich! is an informal command and should only be used with people you know well and in casual situations. Using it with superiors or strangers could be considered rude.
- What is the most polite way to say “hurry up” in German?
The most polite way is to use a phrase like Würden Sie sich bitte beeilen? (Would you please hurry up?) or Bitte seien Sie so freundlich, sich zu beeilen (Please be so kind as to hurry up). These phrases are very formal and show a high level of respect.
- How do I use modal verbs to say “hurry up”?
You can use modal verbs like müssen (must) or sollen (should) to add emphasis or a sense of obligation. For example, Du musst dich beeilen! (You must hurry up!) expresses a strong obligation.
- What’s the difference between schnell and rasch?
Both schnell and rasch mean “quick” or “fast,” but rasch is often considered slightly more formal or literary. In the context of “hurry up,” both can be used, but schnell is more common in everyday speech.
- How can I soften the command “hurry up”?
You can soften the command by adding “bitte” (please) or using a more indirect phrase. For example, Beeil dich bitte! (Hurry up, please!) or Könntest du dich bitte etwas beeilen? (Could you please hurry up a bit?).
- Are there any regional differences in how people say “hurry up”?
Yes,