German Phrase
Gib rechtzeitig Bescheid, bevor du gehst.
Meaning
‘Give notice in time before you leave.’ The sentence asks someone to inform you ahead of time when they are about to go, so you can plan accordingly.
When to use
Use this phrase in work or group settings when you need a colleague, teammate, or roommate to tell you before they depart – e.g., before ending a shift, leaving a meeting, or heading out of a shared apartment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
GibrechtzeitigBescheid,bevordugehst.
Imperative (Gib)
‘Gib’ is the du‑imperative of the verb geben (to give). It is used for direct commands addressed to one person.
Adverb (rechtzeitig)
‘Rechtzeitig’ means ‘in time, timely’. It modifies the whole clause and stresses that the notice must be given before the deadline.
Idiom (Bescheid geben)
‘Bescheid geben’ is a fixed expression meaning ‘to inform, to let someone know’. The noun ‘Bescheid’ is not used literally as ‘decision’ here.
Subjunction (bevor)
‘Bevor’ introduces a subordinate clause that must happen earlier than the main clause: ‘before you leave’.
Verb (gehst)
‘Gehst’ is the 2nd‑person singular present of ‘gehen’ (to go/leave). In the subordinate clause it follows the normal word order.
🗨In Conversation
Kannst du mir Bescheid geben, wenn du gehst?
Can you let me know when you’re leaving?
Ja, ich gebe dir rechtzeitig Bescheid, bevor ich gehe.
Yes, I’ll give you timely notice before I leave.
✕Common Mistakes
Sag rechtzeitig Bescheid, bevor du gehst.
‘Sag Bescheid’ is understandable but not idiomatic; the fixed expression is ‘Gib Bescheid’.
Gib rechtzeitig Bescheid, vor du gehst.
The correct subjunction is ‘bevor’, not ‘vor’, which would require a different clause structure.
Gib rechtzeitig Bescheid, bevor gehst du.
In a subordinate clause introduced by ‘bevor’, the verb stays at the end: ‘bevor du gehst’. Switching order sounds like a question.
Gib Bescheid rechtzeitig, bevor du gehst.
‘Rechtzeitig’ modifies the whole action, not just ‘Bescheid geben’; placing it after ‘Bescheid’ can be confusing.
↔Alternatives
Sag mir rechtzeitig, wann du gehst.
Tell me in time when you’re leaving.
Informiere mich bitte rechtzeitig, bevor du gehst.
Please inform me in time before you go.
Gib mir Bescheid, bevor du gehst.
Give me notice before you leave.
Cultural Tip
German communication values punctuality and clear planning. In professional contexts it is considered courteous to give a ‘Bescheid’ well before you leave, especially when your departure affects others (e.g., shift changes, project hand‑overs). Using the word ‘rechtzeitig’ signals that you respect the other person’s need to adjust their schedule.