How to Say ‘Shut up!’ in German
Halt die Klappe!
halt dee KLA-pa
[halt dee KLA-pa]
💬 Usage Tip: With commands to one person you often use the plain verb form: halt, komm, geh. Compare Halt die Klappe! with Komm her!
🇩🇪 In Germany: Halt die Klappe! is very blunt and aggressive. It's much harsher than simply asking someone to be quiet.
Phrase Breakdown
Halt
[halt]
keep / hold
Colloquial short form of 'halte', from 'halten' (to hold, to keep). Together with 'frei' it means to keep something free for someone.
Ich halt dir die Tür auf.
I'll hold the door open for you.
die
[dee]
the
Definite article used to specify something already known.
Die Katze ist süß.
The cat is cute.
Klappe
[KLA-pa]
clap/trap
Colloquially used for mouth, indicating to shut it.
Halt die Klappe, jetzt rede ich.
Shut up, now I’m speaking.
Guides for German learners
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Berlin bureaucracy requires real German. This app got me from zero to handling my Anmeldung appointment in three weeks. My coworkers couldn’t believe it.”
Emma L., 27, UX Researcher
“Relocated to Munich with my family. The everyday scenarios — grocery shopping, doctor visits, school meetings — are exactly what we needed to settle in.”
Marcus J., 40, Engineer
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer