Bitte langsam fahren
/ˈbɪtə ˈlaŋzaːm ˈfaːʁɛn/word by word
The English phrase "please drive slowly" is translated into German as Bitte langsam fahren.
Bitte langsam fahren is most commonly encountered as a written instruction on road signs or as a concise imperative in public safety contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Bitte (please), langsam (slowly) and the infinitive fahren (to drive).
How does it change in a sentence?
While Bitte langsam fahren is a common elliptical instruction seen on signs or used as a general command, Bitte fahren Sie langsam is the grammatically complete way to address a person formally.
Did you know?
- The German word bitte is incredibly versatile and can mean 'please', 'you are welcome', 'pardon', or even 'I beg your pardon' depending on the tone of voice.
- The German word fahren is a cognate of the English word 'fare'. While 'fare' now mostly refers to the price of a ticket, it originally meant the act of traveling or journeying.
- The word bitte shares a common ancestor with the English word 'prayer', as both stem from the concept of 'asking' or 'beseeching'.
Examples in context
- Ich bitte dich darum, langsam zu fahren, da hier viele Fußgänger unterwegs sind.I kindly ask you to drive slowly as there are many pedestrians here.
- Bitte langsam fahren, es regnet sehr.Please drive slowly, it is raining heavily.
- Hier ist eine Baustelle, bitte langsam fahren.There is a construction site here, please drive slowly.
- Die Straße ist eng, bitte langsam fahren.The road is narrow, please drive slowly.
Example conversation
Julian is a passenger in Hannah's car on a narrow road.
- JulianDie Straße ist sehr eng, Hannah.The road is very narrow, Hannah.
- HannahJa, ich sehe es.Yes, I see it.
- JulianBitte langsam fahren.Please drive slowly.
- HannahKeine Sorge, Julian, ich passe auf.Don't worry, Julian, I'm paying attention.
