satt sein

Using it is incredibly easy. You just combine the subject, the verb sein (to be), and the word satt. For example, Ich bin satt. If you want to emphasize it, you can say Ich bin schon satt (I am already full). If someone offers you a second helping of Schnitzel, you can smile and say, Nein danke, ich bin satt. It is a complete thought on its own. You don't need to add anything else to be understood.

Use this in any situation involving food. At a restaurant, when the waiter asks if you want dessert, this is your go-to phrase. At a friend's house, it is a polite way to decline more food without being rude. You can even use it while texting a friend about a massive lunch you just had. It works perfectly in professional lunch meetings too. It is a very safe, multi-purpose expression.

Never use satt for objects. A glass is not satt; it is voll. A room is not satt; it is besetzt or voll. Also, be very careful with the phrase Ich bin voll. In many parts of Germany, Ich bin voll actually means "I am drunk." If you say that after a big meal, your host might think you had too much wine instead of too much potato salad! Keep satt for food and you will be fine.

German hospitality often involves offering large portions. Hosts take pride in making sure no one leaves hungry. However, Germans also value honesty and directness. Saying Ich bin satt is not seen as a rejection of the cook's skill. In fact, it is often seen as a sign that the meal was successful. There is a common saying, Satt und glücklich (Full and happy), which captures the ultimate goal of a German Sunday lunch.

If you are beyond full, use pappsatt. This is like saying you are "stuffed" or "full as a tick." It is more informal and quite fun to say. On the other hand, if you are "fed up" with a situation, you might hear Ich habe es satt. Note the small change: es is added. This means you are tired of a person or a problem. But for A1 learners, stick to the food version first!