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How to Say ‘But don't run away, okay?’ in German

Aber nicht weglaufen, okay?

ah-ber nicht VEK-low-fen oh-kay

[ah-ber nicht VEK-low-fen oh-kay]

🇩🇪 In Germany: A playful line to say as you head to the bar, showing you want them to stay. The tag okay? keeps it light rather than pushy.

Phrase Breakdown

Aber nicht weglaufen,

ah-ber nicht VEK-low-fen

But don't run away,

'nicht' plus an infinitive works as a casual command. 'weg' sounds like 'vek', and 'au' sounds like 'ow'.

Example

Bitte nicht weglaufen!

Please don't run away!

Words in this phrase

Aber

[ah-ber]

But

Used to introduce a contrasting view or statement.

Example

Ich mag Tee, aber ich liebe Kaffee.

I like tea, but I love coffee.

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

weglaufen

[VEK-low-fen]

to run away

Separable verb meaning to run off or leave; infinitive used as a playful command.

Example

Der Hund will immer weglaufen.

The dog always wants to run away.

okay?

oh-kay

okay?

Used just like in English. Raise your pitch to make it a question.

Example

Wir sehen uns morgen, okay?

See you tomorrow, okay?

Words in this phrase

okay

[oh-kay]

okay

Used to express agreement or acceptance.

Example

Das ist okay für mich.

That's okay for me.

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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