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German Phrase

Nimm 'nen Stift und 'nen Zettel zum Mitschreiben.

/nɪm ˈnɛn ˈʃtɪft ʊnt ˈnɛn ˈt͡sɛtəl t͡suː ˈmɪtʃʁaɪbən/
Meaning"Take a pen and a piece of paper for note‑taking."
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Meaning

‘Take a pen and a piece of paper for note‑taking.’ The sentence is informal and uses the spoken contraction ‘'nen’ for ‘einen’. It emphasizes that the items are needed to write down information.

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When to use

Use this phrase in a classroom, workshop, meeting, or any informal setting where you ask someone to prepare for note‑taking. It’s perfect for teachers, presenters, or friends handing out materials.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Nimm'nenStiftund'nenZettelzumMitschreiben

1

Imperative (Nimm)

‘Nimm’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘nehmen’ (to take). It is used for informal commands.

2

Colloquial contraction ('nen)

‘'nen’ is the spoken short form of ‘einen’, the accusative masculine article. It is common in everyday speech but avoided in formal writing.

3

Coordinating conjunction (und)

‘und’ simply links two objects, here two things you should take.

4

Prepositional phrase (zum Mitschreiben)

‘zum’ = ‘zu dem’, introducing a purpose. ‘Mitschreiben’ is a noun formed from the verb ‘mitschreiben’ (to write along).

🗨In Conversation

A

Nimm 'nen Stift und 'nen Zettel zum Mitschreiben.

Take a pen and a piece of paper for note‑taking.

Klar, danke!

Sure, thanks!

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Nimm 'nen Stift und 'nen Zettel zum Mitschreiben.

    In formal writing you should use ‘einen’ instead of the colloquial ‘'nen’.

  • Nehmen Sie einen Stift und einen Zettel zum Mitschreiben.

    ‘Nehmen Sie’ is formal; using it with the rest of the informal sentence sounds inconsistent.

  • Nimm 'nen Stift und 'nen Zettel, Mitschreiben.

    Leaving out the preposition ‘zum’ loses the purpose meaning.

↔Alternatives

  • Nimm einen Stift und ein Blatt Papier zum Notieren.

    Take a pen and a sheet of paper for noting.

  • Bitte nimm einen Kugelschreiber und ein Blatt zum Mitschreiben.

    Please take a ballpoint pen and a sheet for writing along.

  • Schnapp dir einen Stift und ein Blatt, damit du mitschreiben kannst.

    Grab a pen and a sheet so you can take notes.

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Cultural Tip

The contraction ‘'nen’ is typical of spoken German, especially in northern Germany and among younger speakers. In formal contexts (e.g., business emails, academic papers) you should use the full form ‘einen’. Also, the imperative ‘Nimm’ is informal; for a polite request you would say ‘Nehmen Sie…’ or ‘Könnten Sie bitte…’.