Meaning
To do something without rushing or hurrying.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Zeitwohlstand' (time-wealth) is a growing cultural value, where having time is seen as more important than having money. In Swiss business culture, taking time to reach a consensus (Vernehmlassung) is vital, even if it slows down the process. The Viennese 'Kaffeehauskultur' is the ultimate embodiment of 'sich Zeit nehmen,' where you can sit for hours with one coffee. In modern 'Agile' work environments, 'sich Zeit nehmen' is often used during 'Retrospectives' to reflect on team performance.
The 'Mir' Rule
Always remember the 'mir'. If you forget it, you are just 'taking time' (like a thief), not 'taking time for yourself'.
Politeness
Using this phrase in emails ('Danke, dass Sie sich die Zeit nehmen') instantly makes you sound more fluent and respectful.
Meaning
To do something without rushing or hurrying.
The 'Mir' Rule
Always remember the 'mir'. If you forget it, you are just 'taking time' (like a thief), not 'taking time for yourself'.
Politeness
Using this phrase in emails ('Danke, dass Sie sich die Zeit nehmen') instantly makes you sound more fluent and respectful.
Don't say 'machen'
Never say 'Zeit machen'. It's the most common English-speaker mistake. Stick to 'nehmen'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun (Dative).
Ich nehme ____ Zeit für mein {das|n} Hobby.
For 'ich', the dative reflexive pronoun is 'mir'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct translation for 'He takes time for his children.'
The phrase requires 'sich' (reflexive) and the verb 'nehmen'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kannst du mir bei den Hausaufgaben helfen? B: Ja, ich ______ ______ ______ Zeit dafür.
The standard phrase is 'sich die Zeit nehmen'.
Match the phrase to the context.
When would you say: 'Danke, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben'?
This is a formal way to thank someone for their time and attention.
Fill in the correct past participle.
Wir haben uns viel Zeit für die {die|f} Reise ______.
The past participle of 'nehmen' is 'genommen'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Take vs. Make vs. Have
Practice Bank
5 exercisesIch nehme ____ Zeit für mein {das|n} Hobby.
For 'ich', the dative reflexive pronoun is 'mir'.
Choose the correct translation for 'He takes time for his children.'
The phrase requires 'sich' (reflexive) and the verb 'nehmen'.
A: Kannst du mir bei den Hausaufgaben helfen? B: Ja, ich ______ ______ ______ Zeit dafür.
The standard phrase is 'sich die Zeit nehmen'.
When would you say: 'Danke, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben'?
This is a formal way to thank someone for their time and attention.
Wir haben uns viel Zeit für die {die|f} Reise ______.
The past participle of 'nehmen' is 'genommen'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsBoth are correct. 'Sich Zeit nehmen' is more general, while 'sich die Zeit nehmen' is more specific or emphatic.
Usually no. It implies a positive investment of time. You wouldn't 'take time' to be angry, you would just 'be' angry.
'Sich Zeit lassen' means to do something slowly. 'Sich Zeit nehmen' means to prioritize doing it at all.
Yes, in this specific collocation, because 'Zeit' is the accusative object.
No, it sounds incomplete. You need the reflexive 'mir'.
You say 'Ich habe keine Zeit.' You wouldn't say 'Ich nehme mir keine Zeit' unless you are being very rude.
Yes, very frequently to show respect for clients or colleagues.
Ich habe mir Zeit genommen.
Yes, 'für' + Accusative is the most common way to specify what you are taking time for.
It is neutral. It works in both a business meeting and a conversation with a child.
Not really, but 'sich Zeit gönnen' (to treat oneself to time) is a more casual, modern variation.
In German, you 'take' the initiative. 'Geben' (to give time) is used when someone else gives you their time.
Absolutely, it's perfect for describing things you love doing.
Yes, it's standard in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Related Phrases
sich Zeit lassen
similarTo not hurry.
Zeit verbringen
similarTo spend time.
Zeit verschwenden
contrastTo waste time.
Zeit widmen
specialized formTo dedicate time.
Zeit totschlagen
contrastTo kill time.
