fertig
finished
Describing a state in which an activity, process, or work is completed or ended.
EXAMPLE
Das Essen ist fertig, kommt bitte an den Tisch!
The food is ready; please come to the table!
fertig
finished / ready
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Meanings
fertig
ready
To be ready for the beginning of something; to be ready to start.
EXAMPLE
Bist du fertig? Wir müssen jetzt los.
Are you ready? We have to leave now.
fertig sein
to be exhausted
Colloquial for a state of great physical or emotional exhaustion.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung war ich völlig fertig.
After the long hike, I was completely exhausted.
Usage tips
Fertig mit etwas sein
To express what you have finished, you use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative. This structure is very common.
EXAMPLE
Bist du schon mit den Hausaufgaben fertig?
Are you already finished with your homework?
Ready to start
When 'fertig' (ready) means that you are ready for something, it can stand alone or be used with 'für' + accusative or 'zum' + nominalized verb.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin fertig, wir können gehen.
I'm ready; we can go.
Colloquial meaning
In colloquial language, 'fertig sein' (to be exhausted) means that you are extremely tired or worn out. You can intensify this with adverbs like 'total' (totally) or 'völlig' (completely).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Reise war ich einfach nur noch fertig.
After the long trip, I was simply completely exhausted.
Jemanden fertigmachen
The expression 'jemanden fertigmachen' has a very negative meaning. It means to wear someone down psychologically, criticize them harshly, or bully them.
EXAMPLE
Sein Chef hat ihn vor allen Kollegen fertiggemacht.
His boss tore him down in front of all his colleagues.
Compare with
fertig vs bereit
ready
Bereit and fertig can both mean that someone can start or leave now. Bereit emphasizes the current ability and willingness to act. In this usage, fertig focuses more on the necessary preparations having been completed.
fertig
Ich bin fertig, wir können jetzt zum Bahnhof fahren.
I'm all set; we can leave for the train station now.
bereit
Ich bin bereit, wir können jetzt zum Bahnhof fahren.
I'm ready; we can leave for the train station now.
In real life
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