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How to Say ‘Sure, I don't want to keep you.’ in German

Klar, ich will dich nicht aufhalten.

klahr ikh vill dikh nicht OWF-hal-ten

[klahr ikh vill dikh nicht OWF-hal-ten]

🇩🇪 In Germany: A gracious way to let someone leave without pressure. Accepting an exit smoothly comes across as confident, not disappointed.

Phrase Breakdown

Klar, ich will dich nicht

klahr ikh vill dikh nicht

Sure, I don't want to … you

'Klar' means 'sure' or 'of course'. Make a short pause after it, then continue.

Example

Klar, ich will dich nicht nerven.

Sure, I don't want to annoy you.

Words in this phrase

Klar

[klahr]

sure

Informal word meaning "sure" or "clear."

Example

Klar, ich helfe dir.

Sure, I’ll help you.

ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

will

[vill]

want

To have a desire to possess or do something.

Example

Er will mehr Kaffee.

He wants more coffee.

dich

[dikh]

you (singular/informal, accusative/reflexive)

Used for one person informally, often as the object or in reflexive verbs.

Example

Ich sehe dich morgen.

I will see you tomorrow.

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

aufhalten.

OWF-hal-ten

hold (you) up.

The infinitive goes at the end after 'will'. Stress 'AUF'.

Example

Ich will euch nicht aufhalten.

I don't want to hold you all up.

Words in this phrase

aufhalten

[OWF-hal-ten]

hold up; keep

To delay or keep someone.

Example

Ich will dich nicht lange aufhalten.

I don't want to keep you long.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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