Guten Tag! If you’re looking to expand your German vocabulary and learn how to say “pass,” you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express the concept of “pass” in both formal and informal contexts. While regional variations will be mentioned if necessary, our focus will mainly be on standard German. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Pass”
When it comes to formal situations, such as business settings, academic environments, or when interacting with strangers, it is crucial to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions for “pass” to help you navigate those contexts:
- Durchgang – This is the most general term for “pass” in a formal setting. It can refer to a passage, a gateway, or a walkway. For example: “Bitte nehmen Sie den Durchgang zur Ausgangstür,” which means “Please take the passage to the exit door.”
- Passee – This term is commonly used in official contexts or when referring to documents needed for passing certain checkpoints, such as a passport or an ID card. For instance: “Haben Sie Ihre Pässe zur Hand?,” meaning “Do you have your passes (documents) at hand?”
- Durchreise – When referring to “passing through” a place or a country, “Durchreise” is the appropriate formal term. For instance: “Ich befinde mich auf der Durchreise nach Berlin,” meaning “I am passing through on my way to Berlin.”
Informal Ways to Say “Pass”
In more casual or informal conversations, you can opt for different expressions to convey the idea of “pass.” Here are some commonly used informal terms:
- Vorbeikommen – This term literally translates to “come by” and is often used when someone wants to pass by or pass through a place. For example: “Kannst du später an meinem Haus vorbeikommen?,” which means “Can you come by my house later?”
- Weitergehen – If you want to tell someone to “keep going” or “move forward,” this informal term is useful. It’s often used to encourage someone to pass an obstacle or continue on their path. For instance: “Geh einfach weiter und du wirst das Ziel erreichen,” meaning “Just keep going, and you will reach the goal.”
- Durchlassen – When asking someone to let you pass through a crowded area or to allow you to progress, you can use this term. For example: “Kannst du mich bitte durchlassen?,” which means “Can you please let me pass through?”
Regional Variations
While standard German serves as the common language throughout Germany, there are some regional variations when it comes to expressing the concept of “pass.”
In Bavarian German, which you’ll commonly hear in parts of Bavaria and Austria, the term “vorbeikemma” is used to mean “to pass by.” An example sentence would be “Des mog i gern ‘noma vorbeikemma,” which means “I would like to pass by again.”
Similarly, in Swiss German, which is spoken in Switzerland, you may come across the term “passiere” as a variant of “pass” in informal conversations. For instance: “Chasch miche bitte passiere lah?,” meaning “Can you please let me pass?”
Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding and usage of “pass” in German:
- When using the formal term “Durchgang,” be aware that it can also refer to a hallway or a corridor, depending on the context.
- To indicate the specific act of “passing the ball” in sports, you can use the verb “zuspielen.” For example: “Er spielt den Ball zu,” meaning “He passes the ball.”
- If you wish to say “to pass an exam,” you can use the verb “bestehen.” For instance: “Sie hat die Prüfung bestanden,” which means “She passed the exam.”
- When using the verb “passieren” (to happen) in German, remember that it has a slightly different meaning compared to the concept of “pass” as a physical act. For instance: “Ein Unfall ist passiert,” meaning “An accident happened.”
Did You Know? The German word for “boarding pass” is “Flugticket,” and “boarding” is generally expressed as “das Boarding,” derived from the English term.
Now armed with a variety of expressions for “pass” in German, you can confidently navigate both formal and informal situations. Remember to adjust your language based on the context and the region you find yourself in.
We hope this guide has been helpful in expanding your German vocabulary. Viel Glück (Good luck) as you continue to develop your language skills and explore the depth of the German language!
