En 15 secondes
- Used to describe or request a low vocal volume.
- Essential for libraries, late nights, and sharing secrets.
- Combines the adverb 'leise' with the verb 'sprechen'.
Signification
This phrase is used when you want someone to lower their volume or when you are describing the act of talking softly so others don't hear.
Exemples clés
3 sur 7In a library
In der Bibliothek muss man leise sprechen.
In the library, one must speak quietly.
Putting a baby to sleep
Das Baby schläft, bitte sprich leise.
The baby is sleeping, please speak quietly.
Sharing a secret
Ich muss leise sprechen, damit niemand uns hört.
I have to speak quietly so that no one hears us.
Contexte culturel
In Germany, 'Ruhe' is a social contract. You will often see signs in public transport saying 'Bitte leise sprechen'. Similar to Germany, public transport in Japan is very quiet. Speaking loudly is considered rude. In the US, volume expectations are generally more relaxed, though libraries still enforce 'leise sprechen'.
Use 'Bitte'
Always add 'Bitte' to make it a polite request rather than a command.
The 'Ruhe' Factor
Germans value quiet. If you are in a train, look for the 'Ruhebereich' sign.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe or request a low vocal volume.
- Essential for libraries, late nights, and sharing secrets.
- Combines the adverb 'leise' with the verb 'sprechen'.
What It Means
leise sprechen is your go-to phrase for lowering the volume. It literally means "to speak quietly." Think of it as the opposite of shouting. It’s not just about whispering secrets. It’s about adjusting your voice to fit the room. It’s a very common, everyday expression. You’ll hear it from teachers, parents, and librarians. It’s simple, direct, and very useful for beginners.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is quite straightforward. leise acts as an adverb here. You usually place it right before or after the verb sprechen. For example, Ich spreche leise. If you want to ask someone else, say Sprich bitte leise. In German, word order is flexible but keep it simple. You can also use the comparative leiser to say "more quietly." This is helpful if someone is already talking but still too loud. Just add an -er to the end of leise.
When To Use It
Use this when you are in a library. It’s perfect for late-night conversations in an apartment. German walls can be thin! Use it when you are telling a secret to a friend. It’s also great for professional settings like open-plan offices. If you are at a movie theater, this is the rule. Use it whenever you want to be polite and unobtrusive. It shows you are aware of the people around you.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use leise sprechen if you are giving a speech. People in the back won't hear a word! Avoid it during an emergency or when calling for help. If you are at a football match, nobody is speaking leise. It would feel very out of place there. Also, don't use it if you are trying to be assertive. Sometimes, you need to be loud to be heard. If you're in a noisy bar, leise sprechen is a lost cause.
Cultural Background
Germans take their peace and quiet very seriously. There is a concept called Zimmerlautstärke. This means "room volume." It’s the level of sound that shouldn't bother your neighbors. Between 10 PM and 6 AM, it’s actually a rule! Speaking quietly in public is seen as a sign of good manners. It shows you respect the shared social environment. It’s not about being shy; it’s about being considerate. Even on public transport, people often prefer a quieter atmosphere.
Common Variations
You might hear ganz leise, which means "very quietly." Another common one is leiser werden. This means "to get quieter" or "to lower one's voice." If you want to be more specific, use flüstern. That specifically means "to whisper." If someone is being too loud, you might hear Nicht so laut!. This is the more direct way of saying "not so loud." Another variation is gedämpft sprechen, which means speaking in a muffled or hushed tone.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any context. Be careful with the imperative 'Sei leise!' (Be quiet!), as it can sound bossy or rude if not said with a friendly tone.
Use 'Bitte'
Always add 'Bitte' to make it a polite request rather than a command.
The 'Ruhe' Factor
Germans value quiet. If you are in a train, look for the 'Ruhebereich' sign.
Exemples
7In der Bibliothek muss man leise sprechen.
In the library, one must speak quietly.
A standard rule in public quiet zones.
Das Baby schläft, bitte sprich leise.
The baby is sleeping, please speak quietly.
A common request in a household setting.
Ich muss leise sprechen, damit niemand uns hört.
I have to speak quietly so that no one hears us.
Used when sharing confidential information.
Es ist spät, wir sollten leise sprechen.
It is late, we should speak quietly.
Referring to the German 'Ruhezeit' etiquette.
Warum sprichst du so leise? Ich bin nicht die Polizei!
Why are you speaking so quietly? I'm not the police!
Teasing a friend who is being unnecessarily quiet.
Könnten Sie bitte etwas leiser sprechen? Wir haben ein Meeting.
Could you please speak a bit more quietly? We have a meeting.
A polite request in an office environment.
Sie sprach sehr leise, als sie traurig war.
She spoke very quietly when she was sad.
Describing volume as an indicator of emotion.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence.
In der Bibliothek müssen wir ____.
Libraries require quiet behavior.
Which is the correct way to ask for quiet?
Choose the best option.
This is the standard polite imperative form.
Match the situation to the action.
Match: Baby sleeping -> ?
Speaking softly is necessary for a sleeping baby.
Complete the dialogue.
Person A: 'Hier ist es so laut!' Person B: 'Ja, wir sollten ____.'
If it's loud, you should lower your voice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIn der Bibliothek müssen wir ____.
Libraries require quiet behavior.
Choose the best option.
This is the standard polite imperative form.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Speaking softly is necessary for a sleeping baby.
Person A: 'Hier ist es so laut!' Person B: 'Ja, wir sollten ____.'
If it's loud, you should lower your voice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsNo, for music you would use 'leiser machen'.
It can be both, but here it functions as an adverb.
Both work, but 'sprechen' is slightly more formal.
You might say 'Könnten Sie bitte etwas leiser sein?'
Not if you use 'Bitte'.
Yes, 'Bitte leise sprechen' works for everyone.
Expressions liées
Ruhe bewahren
similarKeep calm
Flüstern
specialized formTo whisper
Laut sprechen
contrastTo speak loudly
