pass auf dich auf
/pas aʊ̯f dɪç aʊ̯f/word by word
The English phrase "be safe" is translated into German as pass auf dich auf.
The phrase is most commonly used when saying goodbye to friends or family members to express genuine concern for their well-being. It is a way to tell someone to take care of themselves.
What does it mean word for word?
This is a separable verb construction where pass … auf means "watch out" or "pay attention" and dich means "yourself". Literally, it means "watch out for yourself".
Which one should you use?
While pass auf dich auf is used to tell someone to be safe or take care, the shorter command pass auf! is used to warn someone of immediate danger, similar to "watch out!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes depending on who you are addressing. Use pass auf dich auf for one person informally, but if you are telling a group of people to be safe, use the plural form passt auf euch auf. For formal address, use passen Sie auf sich auf.
How do you pronounce it?
/pas aʊ̯f dɪç aʊ̯f/
Did you know?
- The word auf in this phrase is a distant relative of the English word 'up'.
- In Germany, saying pass auf dich auf can sometimes imply that the person is going into a specifically risky situation.
- Using the formal passen Sie auf sich auf can sometimes feel too distant for close friends. Because the phrase is so rooted in personal care, using the formal 'Sie' can make it sound like a polite instruction from a stranger rather than warmth from a loved one.
Examples in context
- Bitte pass auf dich auf.Please take care of yourself.
- Geh nach Hause und pass auf dich auf.Go home and be safe.
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are saying goodbye at a train station.
- LukasIch muss jetzt los, Laura.I have to go now, Laura.
- LauraAlles klar, Lukas. Pass auf dich auf!Alright, Lukas. Be safe!
- LukasDanke, das werde ich tun.Thanks, I will.
- LauraBis bald!See you soon!
