gute Reise
In German, "happy trip" is expressed as gute Reise.
You use gute Reise to wish someone a pleasant journey. It is typically used as a standalone exclamation when someone is departing for a trip. For example, you might simply say Gute Reise! to someone leaving.
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?
While gute Reise is general, gute Fahrt is specifically used if the person is traveling by vehicle (car, train, bus, etc.).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective gut takes the -e ending because Reise is a feminine noun in the nominative or accusative case used in this elliptical expression.
When do people say it?
A common way to respond if the person wishing you a good trip is also traveling is Danke, gleichfalls! (Thanks, likewise!).
Did you know?
- The noun Reise shares an ancient root with the English word 'rise', originating from the idea of 'rising' or 'getting up' to begin a movement.
- German uses the specific compound noun Reisestress to name the particular kind of anxiety and chaos that happens while preparing for a trip.
- While gute Reise focuses on the journey, Germans often add Komm gesund wieder, which explicitly wishes for the person to return home healthy.
Examples in context
- Herr Bauer, ich wünsche Ihnen eine angenehme Reise!Mr. Bauer, I wish you a pleasant journey!
- Ich wünsche dir eine gute Reise.I wish you a good trip.
- Gute Reise!Have a good trip!
- Wir wünschen euch eine gute Reise.We wish you all a good trip.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are saying goodbye at the train station.
- MaximilianDein Zug fährt gleich ab, Laura.Your train is leaving soon, Laura.
- LauraJa, ich muss jetzt gehen.Yes, I have to go now.
- MaximilianGute Reise und komm gesund zurück!Have a good trip and come back healthy!
- LauraDanke, Maximilian, das mache ich.Thanks, Maximilian, I will.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Reise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
