gute Reise
In German, happy travels is gute Reise.
The phrase gute Reise is typically used as a standalone exclamation when someone is departing for a trip to wish them a pleasant journey.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective gute (good) and the noun Reise (journey/trip).
Which one should you use?
An alternative to gute Reise is Schöne Reise, which is also commonly used to wish someone a pleasant trip. For a more formal tone, you can say Angenehme Reise! and for an informal way to say "Enjoy your trip!", use Genieße deine Reise!
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective gute uses the feminine nominative/accusative ending to agree with the feminine noun Reise.
Did you know?
- A common colloquial response to gute Reise is Danke, gleichfalls, which means 'thanks, likewise', even if the other person is not traveling.
- The word Reise shares a common ancestor with the English word 'rise', originating from a Proto-West Germanic root related to moving or rising up.
- While Gute Reise is standard, travelers often use the much shorter Gute Fahrt if they are specifically traveling by car, train, or bus.
Examples in context
- Gute Reise, Martin! Ich wünsche dir eine erfolgreiche Geschäftsreise!Good journey, Martin! I wish you a successful business trip!
- Gute Reise, mein Freund!Happy travels, my friend!
Example conversation
Felix is seeing Laura off at the train station.
- FelixDein Zug fährt gleich ab.Your train is leaving soon.
- LauraJa, ich muss jetzt gehen.Yes, I have to go now.
- FelixGute Reise, Laura!Happy travels, Laura!
- LauraDanke, Felix!Thanks, Felix!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Reise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
