Fahr vorsichtig
The German phrase for drive safe is Fahr vorsichtig.
Fahr vorsichtig is a phrase used to tell someone to be careful while driving a vehicle.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vorsichtig literally means 'carefully' or 'cautiously', which is the standard way to express 'safe' in the context of driving in German.
Which one should you use?
Fahr vorsichtig is the informal singular version, while Fahren Sie vorsichtig is the polite, formal version.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Fahr vorsichtig is the informal version used with friends, family or children. For strangers, superiors or people you do not know well, use the formal version Fahren Sie vorsichtig.
Did you know?
- The adjective vorsichtig has a direct linguistic cousin in the English word 'foresighted', sharing the same Germanic roots of looking ahead.
- While Fahr vorsichtig is common, Germans often say Gute Fahrt to mean 'have a good trip'. This focuses on the journey's success rather than just avoiding accidents.
- If you were to say Fahr sicher, it would sound like you are telling someone to drive with 'certainty' or 'security' rather than caution.
Examples in context
- Gute Fahrt!Have a good trip!
- Fahr vorsichtig!Drive carefully!
- Fahr vorsichtig, es regnet sehr stark.Drive safe, it is raining very hard.
- Bitte fahr vorsichtig nach Hause.Please drive safely home.
- Fahr vorsichtig, die Straße ist glatt.Drive safe, the road is slippery.
Example conversation
Hannah is seeing Lukas off as he leaves in his car.
- HannahIch wünsche dir eine gute Reise.I wish you a good journey.
- LukasDanke, Hannah. Bis später!Thanks, Hannah. See you later!
- HannahFahr vorsichtig, Lukas!Drive safe, Lukas!
- LukasMache ich. Tschüss!I will. Bye!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vorsichtig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
