Gute Reise
The English phrase "have a safe journey" is translated into German as Gute Reise.
Gute Reise is a straightforward and widely used way to wish someone a safe and pleasant trip as they depart.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Gute Reise literally means "Good journey".
Which one should you use?
While Gute Reise is a general term for any kind of journey, you can use Gute Fahrt specifically when someone is traveling by vehicle, such as by car, train or bus. If the person is simply traveling back to their own home rather than going on a trip, the phrase Komm gut nach Hause is a more natural way to wish them a safe arrival.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Gute Reise, the word Gute is the feminine singular nominative or accusative form of the adjective gut used to match the feminine noun Reise.
When do people say it?
A common response to Gute Reise, if the other person is also traveling, is Danke, gleichfalls!, which means "Thanks, same to you!"
Did you know?
- The word Reise descends from the Proto-West Germanic root *raisu, which originally related to the act of rising or getting up.
- Unlike in English where 'safe' is explicitly mentioned, Gute Reise relies on the word 'good' to encompass safety, comfort and a successful arrival.
- When responding to Gute Reise with Danke, gleichfalls!, you are using a versatile shorthand that is common across many different types of well-wishing in Germany.
Examples in context
- Ich wünsche Ihnen eine gute Reise!I wish you a safe journey!
- Gute Reise und komm gut an!Have a safe journey and arrive safely!
- Alles Gute für Ihre Reise und kommen Sie gut an!All the best for your journey and arrive safely!
- Möge Ihre Reise angenehm und sicher sein!May your journey be pleasant and safe!
- Gute Fahrt und pass auf dich auf!Have a safe trip and take care!
- Pass auf dich auf und komme gut an!Take care and arrive safely!
- Viel Spaß und komme gut an!Have fun and arrive safely!
- Gute Reise morgen!Have a safe journey tomorrow!
- Genieße deinen Aufenthalt in Berlin und komme gut zurück!Enjoy your stay in Berlin and come back safely!
- Ich wünsche dir eine gute Reise.I wish you a safe journey.
Example conversation
Lukas is leaving for a vacation at the train station.
- LauraVergiss deinen Reisepass nicht, Lukas.Don't forget your passport, Lukas.
- LukasDanke, Laura. Ich habe alles.Thanks, Laura. I have everything.
- LauraGute Reise!Have a safe journey!
- LukasVielen Dank, bis bald!Thank you very much, see you soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Reise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
