pass auf
/pas aʊ̯f/word by word
To say "be careful" in German, you use pass auf.
This phrase serves as a warning to tell someone to be attentive in order to avoid a mistake or danger.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a separable verb construction. It comes from the verb aufpassen, meaning to pay attention or watch out, where pass is the conjugated part and auf is the prefix.
Which one should you use?
While pass auf is a verb-based command to be attentive, the single-word exclamation Vorsicht! is used specifically to warn of immediate physical danger.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing one person informally, use pass auf. When addressing a group of people informally, use the plural form passt auf. For formal situations, use passen Sie auf.
How do you pronounce it?
/pas aʊ̯f/
Did you know?
- The verb aufpassen also means 'to babysit' or 'to look after' a child or a pet.
- While pass auf can be a friendly warning, it is also used as a stern preface to a threat, similar to saying 'Now listen closely' or 'You better watch it' in English.
- The prefix auf in pass auf is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'up', as both descend from the same Proto-Germanic root.
Examples in context
- Pass auf, was du tust.Be careful what you do.This example shows how to use pass auf to warn someone about their actions.Tatoeba #3825832 by futuro, translation #3825223 by CK
- Pass auf, was du sagst!Be careful what you say!This example uses pass auf to warn someone about their speech.Tatoeba #451206 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1103331 by supplementfacts
- Pass auf, wo du hintrittst!Be careful where you step.This example uses pass auf to warn someone about where they are stepping.Tatoeba #1203995 by Sudajaengi, translation #2047633 by CK
- Sei vorsichtig, der Weg ist glatt.Be careful, the path is slippery.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are walking on a slippery sidewalk.
- FelixPass auf, es ist sehr glatt hier.Be careful, it is very slippery here.
- JuliaDanke, ich gehe ganz langsam.Thanks, I am walking very slowly.
- FelixPass auf, da vorne ist eine Pfütze.Be careful, there is a puddle up ahead.
- JuliaOh, danke für den Hinweis, Felix.Oh, thanks for the hint, Felix.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Pass, auf) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
