auf die Plätze, fertig, los
The English phrase "ready, set, go" is translated into German as auf die Plätze, fertig, los.
The sequence auf die Plätze, fertig, los is the standard way to signal the start of a race or a competitive game in German. Within this sequence, auf die Plätze means "On your marks", while los means "Go".
Meaning: three-command start for any action or contest (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: auf die Plätze literally means "to the places" (referring to starting positions), fertig means "ready" or "finished" and los means "go".
Did you know?
- The word fertig in this sequence is a linguistic descendant of the Old High German noun 'fart', which meant a 'journey'.
- While auf die Plätze refers to starting positions, Plätze is the same word used for 'seats' in a theater or 'squares' in a city center.
- In casual settings, Germans often shorten the phrase to just eins, zwei, drei, los, which translates to 'one, two, three, go'.
Examples in context
- Nur noch einmal: Auf die Plätze, fertig, los.Just one more time: ready, set, go.
- Schrei laut: Auf die Plätze, fertig, los!Shout loudly: ready, set, go!
Example conversation
Two friends are preparing for a small race in the park.
- SarahBist du bereit für das Rennen, Felix?Are you ready for the race, Felix?
- FelixJa, ich bin bereit, Sarah.Yes, I am ready, Sarah.
- SarahAuf die Plätze, fertig, los!Ready, set, go!
- FelixIch werde gewinnen!I am going to win!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, die, fertig, los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
