German Phrase
Respektier den persönlichen Raum.
Meaning
A direct, informal request to someone to keep a respectful distance. It emphasizes the importance of personal boundaries and is often used when someone feels their personal space is being invaded.
When to use
Use it in crowded settings like public transport, queues, or social gatherings when you need to ask someone to step back. It works best with people you know well enough to use the informal ‘du’ form, or in a firm but polite tone in professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
RespektierdenpersönlichenRaum
Imperativ (du)
‘Respektier’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘respektieren’, formed by dropping the infinitive ending –en.
Akkusativ‑Artikel
‘den’ is the masculine accusative definite article, required because ‘Raum’ is the direct object of the verb.
Adjektivdeklination (schwach)
After a definite article in the accusative, the adjective takes the weak ending ‘‑en’: ‘persönlichen’.
Maskulines Substantiv
‘Raum’ is a masculine noun; in the accusative it stays ‘Raum’ while the article changes to ‘den’.
🗨In Conversation
Respektier den persönlichen Raum.
Respect my personal space.
Entschuldigung, das war nicht meine Absicht.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to.
✕Common Mistakes
Respektiere den persönlichen Raum.
‘Respektiere’ is the 1st‑person singular present, not the imperative.
Respektier der persönlichen Raum.
‘der’ is nominative; the accusative article for masculine nouns is ‘den’.
Respektier den persönliche Raum.
Missing the weak adjective ending ‘‑en’ after the definite article.
↔Alternatives
Bitte halte Abstand.
Please keep a distance.
Achte auf den persönlichen Abstand.
Pay attention to personal distance.
Respektiere meine Privatsphäre.
Respect my privacy.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries personal space is highly valued, especially in public transport and queues. While Germans are generally direct, using the polite ‘Bitte’ or a calm tone can soften the request. In southern regions (Bavaria, Austria) people may be a bit more tolerant of close proximity, so adjusting your phrasing to the local vibe can help avoid sounding too harsh.