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How to Say ‘But don't overdo it right away.’ in German

Übertreib's aber nicht gleich.

ue-ber-TRIPES AH-ber nicht glykh

[ue-ber-TRIPES AH-ber nicht glykh]

Phrase Breakdown

Übertreib's aber

ue-ber-TRIPES AH-ber

But don't overdo it

This is the imperative of 'übertreiben' plus 'es'. Here 'aber' adds emphasis rather than meaning 'but'. Stress 'TREIB'.

Example

Übertreib's aber nicht!

Don't overdo it!

Words in this phrase

Übertreib's

[ue-ber-TRIPES]

overdo it

Imperative of 'übertreiben' plus 'es': don't exaggerate or overdo.

Example

Übertreib's nicht beim Sport!

Don't overdo it with sports!

aber

[AH-ber]

(emphasis)

Here a particle adding emphasis to a warning, not 'but'.

Example

Sei aber vorsichtig!

Do be careful!

nicht gleich.

nicht glykh

not right away

'gleich' means 'immediately'. Use the soft ch sound at the end, as in 'ich'.

Example

Ich komme nicht gleich.

I'm not coming right away.

Words in this phrase

nicht

[nicht]

not

Used to negate a sentence.

Example

Dieses Angebot gibt's nicht mehr.

This offer no longer exists.

gleich

[glykh]

right away

Here: immediately, from the very start.

Example

Gib nicht gleich auf.

Don't give up right away.

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