What does it mean word for word?
The phrase in den Urlaub fahren literally translates to to drive into the vacation.
Which one should you use?
The default form in den Urlaub fahren uses the verb fahren, which implies traveling by a vehicle such as a car, train or bus. If you are specifically traveling by plane, fliegen is often used, though fahren is frequently used as a general term for going on a trip. Alternatively, in den Urlaub gehen can be used to mean 'to go on vacation', though it often implies a more general movement or a change in state.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to describe the state of currently being on vacation (for example, 'I am on vacation'), do not use the phrase for going on vacation. Instead, use the prepositional phrase im Urlaub.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʔɪn de(ː)n ˈuːɐ̯ˌlaʊ̯p ˈfaːʁɛn/
Did you know?
- German speakers often use the specific term Urlaubsreif to describe the feeling of being 'ripe for vacation' when they are completely exhausted from work.
- In German, the word Urlaub is linked to the verb erlauben, meaning 'to allow', which suggests that a vacation is a period of time that has been 'allowed' or permitted.
- In Germany, the concept of Urlaub is often tied to a legal right, as employees are legally entitled to a minimum number of paid vacation days per year.
Examples in context
- Wohin wollt ihr im nächsten Sommer in den Urlaub fahren?Where do you plan to go on vacation next summer?This sentence is useful for asking about future vacation plans using in den Urlaub fahren.Tatoeba #12420198 by Waldelfe, translation #2036399 by smarisbird
- „Wohin möchtest du in den Urlaub fahren?“ – „Nach Rußland.“"Where would you like to go on vacation?" "To Russia".This sentence shows how to express a desire for a specific vacation destination using in den Urlaub fahren.Tatoeba #12560825 by Waldelfe, translation #10814776 by carlosalberto
- Wenn man beginnt, seinem Passfoto ähnlich zu sehen, sollte man in den Urlaub fahren.When you start to look like the photo in your passport, it's time to go on vacation.This sentence uses in den Urlaub fahren in a humorous way to suggest taking a break.Tatoeba #355 by MUIRIEL, translation #967871 by FeuDRenais2
- Meine Familie und ich fahren nächste Woche in den Urlaub.My family and I are going on vacation next week.
- Nächste Woche düsen wir ab in den Urlaub.Next week we're off on vacation.
- Endlich kann ich mal wieder verreisen und neue Orte entdecken.Finally, I can travel away and explore new places.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are discussing their plans for the summer.
- HannahWillst du dieses Jahr wieder in den Urlaub fahren?Do you want to go on vacation again this year?
- LukasJa, ich möchte unbedingt in den Urlaub fahren.Yes, I really want to go on vacation.
- HannahSollen wir zusammen in den Urlaub fahren?Shall we go on vacation together?
- LukasDas ist eine tolle Idee, Hannah!That is a great idea, Hannah!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (in, den, Urlaub, fahren) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
