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nachsitzen

to stay in (for detention)

verb NAKH-zit-sen Rare
People & Society Education

Also means

to do detention

Usage Note

Nachsitzen describes a pupil being kept after school as a disciplinary measure — the German equivalent of 'detention'. A teacher lässt jemanden nachsitzen; the pupil muss nachsitzen. It is considered a mild sanction and is widely known from school culture.

Examples

"Weil er seine Hausaufgaben vergessen hatte, musste er nachsitzen."

Natural Translation

Because he had forgotten his homework he had to stay in for detention.

Literal Translation

Because he his homework forgotten had, had-to he after-sit.

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