Prioritäten setzen
To set priorities
Use this phrase to show you are organized and focused on what truly matters.
En 15 secondes
- Deciding what is most important right now.
- A key phrase for German efficiency and organization.
- Used in both professional and personal life contexts.
Signification
This phrase is all about deciding what matters most in your life or work. It's the act of ranking your tasks or values so you can focus on the big stuff first.
Exemples clés
3 sur 7In a busy office meeting
Wir haben viel zu tun, wir müssen jetzt Prioritäten setzen.
We have a lot to do; we need to set priorities now.
Explaining why you can't hang out
Ich kann heute nicht kommen, ich muss Prioritäten setzen und lernen.
I can't come today; I have to set priorities and study.
Talking about life goals
Im Leben muss man irgendwann Prioritäten setzen.
In life, you have to set priorities at some point.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the German cultural emphasis on 'Zielorientierung' (goal orientation) and 'Struktur' (structure). It became increasingly popular in the late 20th century as corporate culture and time management became central to the German middle class. It is a hallmark of the 'work hard, play hard' balance found in modern Berlin or Munich.
The 'Must' Factor
Pair this with 'müssen' to sound like you have a solid reason for saying no to something. It makes you sound decisive.
The German 'No'
Germans value directness. Saying 'I need to set priorities' is a very respected way to decline an offer without being rude.
En 15 secondes
- Deciding what is most important right now.
- A key phrase for German efficiency and organization.
- Used in both professional and personal life contexts.
What It Means
Imagine your brain is a messy desk. Prioritäten setzen is the act of clearing the clutter. You pick the most important paper and put it on top. It means making a conscious choice. You decide what gets your energy and what waits. It is not just about work. It is about life, love, and even what you eat for dinner.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase with the verb müssen (must) or sollten (should). It sounds very active. You aren't just having priorities; you are 'setting' them. In a sentence, it looks like this: Ich muss Prioritäten setzen. You can use it when you feel overwhelmed. It is your way of saying, "I'm taking control of my schedule."
When To Use It
Use this in a meeting when the project is chaotic. Use it with a friend when you have too many invitations. It works perfectly when you need to justify a 'no'. If you can't go to a party because you need to study, you are Prioritäten setzen. It sounds responsible and mature. It is a great phrase for adulting in Germany.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in highly emotional or spontaneous moments. If your partner asks if you love them, don't say you are Prioritäten setzen. That sounds like a robot! Also, don't use it for tiny, silly things. You don't 'set priorities' between a blue pen and a black pen. It is for bigger decisions that require a bit of thought. Using it for trivial things might sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.
Cultural Background
Germans are famous for efficiency and structure. This phrase is the heart of that stereotype. There is a cultural value placed on Ordnung (order). To a German, someone who can Prioritäten setzen is reliable. It shows you have a plan. It is deeply tied to the idea of being a Macher (a doer). In German offices, this phrase is used daily to keep the gears turning.
Common Variations
You might hear falsche Prioritäten setzen. This means someone is focusing on the wrong things. For example, playing video games instead of preparing for a big exam. You can also say Prioritäten verschieben. This means your focus has changed. Maybe work was important yesterday, but today family comes first. It is a flexible phrase for a busy world.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe to use in almost any setting. It carries a connotation of maturity and organizational skill. Just be careful not to sound too 'business-like' in romantic or highly casual settings.
The 'Must' Factor
Pair this with 'müssen' to sound like you have a solid reason for saying no to something. It makes you sound decisive.
The German 'No'
Germans value directness. Saying 'I need to set priorities' is a very respected way to decline an offer without being rude.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small choice, like picking a flavor of ice cream, you'll sound like a corporate robot. Keep it for meaningful choices.
Exemples
7Wir haben viel zu tun, wir müssen jetzt Prioritäten setzen.
We have a lot to do; we need to set priorities now.
A classic professional use to focus the team.
Ich kann heute nicht kommen, ich muss Prioritäten setzen und lernen.
I can't come today; I have to set priorities and study.
A polite way to decline an invitation by showing responsibility.
Im Leben muss man irgendwann Prioritäten setzen.
In life, you have to set priorities at some point.
A more philosophical or serious tone.
Pizza oder Fitnessstudio? Ich setze heute Prioritäten: Pizza!
Pizza or gym? I'm setting priorities today: Pizza!
A lighthearted way to use a serious phrase for something fun.
Sie müssen lernen, Ihre Prioritäten besser zu setzen.
You need to learn to set your priorities better.
Constructive criticism regarding time management.
Bei diesem Budget müssen wir klare Prioritäten setzen.
With this budget, we have to set clear priorities.
Focusing on financial constraints.
Erst die Hausaufgaben, dann das Spiel – setz deine Prioritäten!
First homework, then the game – set your priorities!
Teaching a child about responsibility.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
Wenn man zu viel Stress hat, sollte man ___ setzen.
The standard collocation is 'Prioritäten setzen'.
Which verb usually follows 'Prioritäten' in this context?
Ich muss heute meine Prioritäten ___.
In German, you 'set' (setzen) priorities, you don't 'make' (machen) them.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Prioritäten setzen'
Used with friends to joke about choosing sleep over chores.
Priorität: Bett!
The most common way to use it in daily life.
Ich muss Prioritäten setzen.
Used in management and official planning.
Die strategische Prioritätensetzung ist essenziell.
Where to use 'Prioritäten setzen'
At the Office
Sorting the inbox.
University
Studying for exams.
Personal Life
Choosing family over overtime.
Health
Deciding to sleep 8 hours.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's neutral. You can use it with friends to explain why you're busy, like Ich muss heute Prioritäten setzen und meine Wohnung putzen.
No, that sounds wrong. In German, you always 'set' (setzen) priorities. Prioritäten machen is a common mistake for English speakers.
Technically yes (eine Priorität setzen), but it's almost always used in the plural because setting priorities implies choosing between multiple things.
You could say sich verzetteln, which means to get lost in small details or lose focus.
Yes, very often! Politicians love to talk about politische Prioritäten setzen when discussing the budget.
Absolutely. If you have five hobbies but only time for one, you are Prioritäten setzen.
Often, yes. It suggests you have more to do than time allows, so you are taking action to manage it.
The noun is die Prioritätensetzung. It's a bit of a mouthful, but common in business contexts.
Ordnen means to organize. Prioritäten setzen is more specific—it's about importance, not just physical order.
Yes, it's a common way to criticize someone's choices, like Er setzt falsche Prioritäten.
Expressions liées
Wichtiges von Unwichtigem trennen
Den Fokus legen auf
Etwas den Vorzug geben
Sich auf das Wesentliche konzentrieren
Commentaires (0)
Connectez-vous pour CommenterCommencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement
Commence Gratuitement