fertig
finished, done · ready, prepared · exhausted, worn out
Fertig means 'finished', 'done', or 'ready'. It is used for completed actions, prepared things, and also for being exhausted. Germans use it in everyday speech for tasks, food, and even to say someone is worn out.
What fertig means
- finished, done — When a task or process is complete.
- ready, prepared — When something is prepared or set to go.
- exhausted, worn out — Colloquially, when someone is very tired.
Heard in real German videos
Lines where fertig was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- So Leute, meine Haare sind fertig.So folks, my hair is done.
- Hurra, ich bin jetzt fertig mit dem Rasen.Hurray, I'm done with the lawn now.
- Okay, Achtung, fertig, los!Okay, ready, set, go!
Example sentences
- Ich bin mit den Hausaufgaben fertig.I am done with the homework.
- Das Essen ist fertig.The food is ready.
- Nach dem Marathon war ich völlig fertig.After the marathon I was completely exhausted.
- Bist du fertig? Wir müssen los.Are you ready? We have to go.
Grammar
| Comparative | fertiger |
|---|---|
| Superlative | am fertigsten |
Fertig is usually used predicatively (after sein/werden), not before a noun. When used attributively, it means 'ready-made' or 'prefabricated'.
Common phrases
- fertig machento finish, to get ready
- fertig sein mit etwasto be done with something
- fix und fertigcompletely exhausted
- fertig werden mitto cope with, to finish dealing with
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often say 'Ich bin fertig' to mean 'I am ready' in the sense of being prepared to go, but that can be ambiguous; it might mean 'I am finished' or even 'I am exhausted'. To clearly say 'I am ready', use 'Ich bin bereit'.
Don’t confuse it with
- bereit — Bereit means 'ready' in the sense of willing or prepared, while fertig means 'finished' or 'done', and only sometimes 'ready' when something is completed.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'fertig' and 'bereit'?
Fertig means 'finished' or 'done', and can also mean 'ready' when something is completed. Bereit means 'ready' in the sense of being prepared or willing. So 'Das Essen ist fertig' (the food is ready/done), but 'Ich bin bereit' (I am ready/willing).
Can 'fertig' mean 'tired'?
Yes, colloquially 'fertig sein' can mean to be exhausted or worn out, e.g., 'Nach der Arbeit bin ich fertig.'
How do you say 'I am done with something' in German?
You say 'Ich bin mit etwas fertig', e.g., 'Ich bin mit der Arbeit fertig.'