German Phrase
Schreib dir die Daten und Zeiten auf.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to write down the data and the corresponding times for themselves. It is a practical instruction often used when organizing appointments, meetings, or any schedule that requires a written record.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings—among friends, colleagues, or classmates—when you want the other person to note down information that will be useful later. It works well in planning sessions, study groups, or when handing out a timetable.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchreibdirdieDatenundZeitenauf
Imperative (Schreib)
‘Schreib’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘schreiben’; it is used for informal commands.
Reflexive Dative (dir)
‘dir’ is a reflexive pronoun in the dative case, indicating that the action is done for the benefit of the listener.
Separable Prefix (auf‑)
‘auf’ belongs to the separable verb ‘aufschreiben’; in main clauses the prefix moves to the end of the sentence.
Accusative Plural (die Daten und Zeiten)
‘die Daten und Zeiten’ are plural accusative objects; the article ‘die’ marks both nouns.
🗨In Conversation
Schreib dir die Daten und Zeiten auf.
Write down the data and times for yourself.
Klar, mache ich gleich.
Sure, I’ll do it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Schreib du die Daten und Zeiten auf.
‘du’ is nominative; the correct reflexive form is dative ‘dir’.
Schreib dir die Daten und Zeiten.
The separable prefix ‘auf’ is required to complete the verb ‘aufschreiben’.
Schreib dir die Daten und Zeit auf.
‘Zeit’ is singular; the sentence refers to multiple times, so ‘Zeiten’ is needed.
↔Alternatives
Notiere dir die Daten und Zeiten.
Note the data and times for yourself.
Schreibe die Daten und Zeiten auf.
Write the data and times down.
Halte die Daten und Zeiten fest.
Record the data and times.
Cultural Tip
In German, adding the reflexive dative ‘dir’ stresses personal responsibility – you’re the one who should keep the information. The imperative can be softened with ‘bitte’ (e.g., ‘Schreib dir bitte…’) to sound more polite. Remember that separable prefixes like ‘auf’ always move to the end of the clause in main sentences, but stay attached in infinitives (e.g., ‘aufzuschreiben’).