Gute Reise
Gute Reise is the German way to say "have a good trip".
This phrase is used to wish someone a pleasant journey when they are leaving. While an English speaker might say the full sentence "Have a good trip", German speakers often use the shortened noun phrase Gute Reise as an exclamation.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Gute Reise means "good trip".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Gute Reise, the word Gute is the feminine nominative singular form of the adjective gut used to match the feminine noun Reise.
When do people say it?
When someone says Gute Reise!, a common response if you are also traveling is Danke, gleichfalls! (Thanks, likewise!).
Did you know?
- The word Reise shares an ancient root with the English word 'rise', from the Proto-Germanic concept of 'getting up' or 'moving'.
- While 'Gute Reise' is perfect for long journeys, a German speaker is much more likely to say Gute Fahrt if you are departing by car, train, or bike. This specifically wishes someone a good 'drive' or 'ride'.
- To be more casual when wishing someone a good trip, Germans often say Komm gut an!, which literally means 'arrive well'.
Examples in context
- Wie geht's dir? Hattest du eine gute Reise?How are you? Did you have a good trip?This sentence shows how to use Gute Reise when asking someone if they had a good journey.Tatoeba #521 by MUIRIEL, translation #1716 by CK
- Gute Reise!Have a good trip!This sentence shows the use of Gute Reise as an exclamation.Tatoeba #340916 by MUIRIEL, translation #1104795 by rul
- Gute Reise! Genießen Sie Ihren Urlaub.Have a good trip! Enjoy your vacation.
- Ich wünsche Ihnen eine gute Reise und hoffe, dass Sie eine tolle Zeit haben.I wish you a good trip and hope you have a great time.
- Möge deine Reise sicher sein und viele unvergessliche Erlebnisse bringen.May your trip be safe and bring many unforgettable experiences.
- Schönen Urlaub! Bring mir ein Souvenir mit, wenn du zurückkommst.Have a good trip! Bring me a souvenir when you come back.
- Viel Spaß im Urlaub! Lass die Seele baumeln und genieße die Auszeit.Have fun on your trip! Relax and enjoy your time off.
- Gute Fahrt! Pass auf dich auf und melde dich, wenn du angekommen bist.Have a good journey! Take care and let me know when you arrive.
- Ich wünsche dir eine gute Reise.I wish you a good trip.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is saying goodbye to Julia at the airport.
- MaximilianHier ist dein Ticket, Julia.Here is your ticket, Julia.
- JuliaDanke, ich bin schon so gespannt!Thanks, I am so excited!
- MaximilianGute Reise und pass auf dich auf!Have a good trip and take care of yourself!
- JuliaDanke, Maximilian! Bis bald.Thanks, Maximilian! See you soon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Reise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
