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German Phrase

Ich spiele mit meinen Freunden in der Pause.

/ɪç ˈʃpiːlə mɪt ˈmaɪ̯nən ˈfʁɔɪ̯ndən ɪn deːɐ̯ ˈpaʊ̯zə/
Meaning"I play with my friends during the break."
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Meaning

This phrase means 'I play with my friends during the break.' It describes a common activity, often associated with school or work environments where there are designated breaks. It highlights social interaction and leisure time.

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When to use

Use this phrase when talking about your activities during a school break, a work lunch break, or any designated pause in a schedule. It's suitable for casual conversations about daily routines or social plans, especially when discussing what you do with friends.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchspielemitmeinenFreundeninderPause

1

Ich spiele

'Spielen' is a regular verb meaning 'to play'. For the first-person singular subject 'ich' (I), the verb ending is '-e', making it 'spiele'.

2

mit

'Mit' is a dative-only preposition, meaning 'with'. Any noun or pronoun following 'mit' must be in the dative case.

3

meinen Freunden

'Freunde' (friends) is a plural noun. Because it follows the dative preposition 'mit', it takes the dative plural form 'Freunden'. The possessive pronoun 'mein' also changes to 'meinen' in dative plural.

4

in der Pause

'In' is a two-way preposition. Here, it indicates a temporal location ('during the break'), which requires the dative case. 'Pause' is a feminine noun (die Pause), so in the dative case, 'die' becomes 'der'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Was machst du in der Pause?

What do you do during the break?

Ich spiele mit meinen Freunden in der Pause.

I play with my friends during the break.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich spiele mit meine Freunde in der Pause.

    The preposition 'mit' always requires the dative case. 'Freunde' (friends) is plural, so it should be 'meinen Freunden' in dative plural.

  • Ich spiele mit meinen Freunden an der Pause.

    While 'an' can mean 'at', for 'during the break' or 'in the break', the preposition 'in' is typically used with 'die Pause'.

  • Ich spielt mit meinen Freunden in der Pause.

    The verb 'spielen' (to play) must be conjugated correctly for the subject 'ich' (I), which is 'spiele'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich bin mit Freunden in der Pause.

    I am with friends during the break.

  • Wir spielen in der Pause.

    We play during the break.

  • Ich treffe meine Freunde in der Pause.

    I meet my friends during the break.

de

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking countries, 'die Pause' (the break) is a common and important concept in schools and workplaces. School breaks often involve outdoor play, socializing, or eating snacks. Friendships ('Freundschaften') are highly valued, and spending time with friends during these breaks is a typical social activity, fostering community and relaxation.