Greetings! If you’re looking to expand your German vocabulary, specifically learning how to say “rechts” (the German word for “right”), you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore various formal and informal ways to express this word, along with some tips, examples, and even regional variations. Let’s dive right into it:
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “Rechts”
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are a few ways to say “rechts” formally:
1. “Rechts”
This is the most straightforward and widely understood way to say “right” in formal settings. Whether you’re giving directions or referring to the political spectrum, using “rechts” is always a safe choice. For example:
Bitte biegen Sie an der nächsten Kreuzung rechts ab. (Please turn right at the next intersection.)
Politisch gesehen neige ich eher nach rechts. (Politically speaking, I lean more towards the right.)
2. “Nach rechts”
To emphasize the direction more explicitly, you can use the phrase “nach rechts,” which translates to “to the right.” It’s commonly used when giving detailed instructions or describing movements. Here are a couple of examples:
Gehen Sie nach rechts und Sie werden den Ausgang finden. (Go to the right, and you will find the exit.)
Die Demonstranten bewegten sich in Richtung der Stadtmitte nach rechts. (The demonstrators were moving towards the city center to the right.)
Informal Expressions for “Rechts”
Now, let’s explore some informal ways to say “rechts” that you can use with friends, family, or in casual settings:
1. “Rechts rum”
In an informal context, you might hear Germans saying “rechts rum” instead of just “rechts.” It adds a touch of slang and informality while maintaining the same meaning. Here are a few examples:
Guck mal, da geht’s lang – einfach rechts rum! (Look, that’s the way to go – just turn right!)
Das Café ist direkt rechts rum um die Ecke. (The café is just around the corner, to the right.)
2. “Nach rechts gehen”
Another common informal way to say “rechts” is by using a full sentence like “nach rechts gehen” (to go to the right). This phrase is frequently used in everyday conversations:
Wir müssen an der nächsten Kreuzung nach rechts gehen. (We have to go right at the next intersection.)
Ich hab’s ihm gesagt, er soll nach rechts gehen. (I told him to go right.)
Regional Variations
While “rechts” is the standard way to say “right” throughout Germany, some regional variations exist:
1. “Rechtes”
In some parts of southern Germany, particularly Bavaria, you may encounter the word “rechtes” used instead of “rechts.” It’s a subtle variation, but worth noting:
Hier ist der Weg, den rechtes Dorf führt. (Here is the path that leads right into the village.)
Gehen Sie hier rechtes und dann immer geradeaus. (Go right here, and then keep going straight ahead.)
2. “Nach rechts da”
In some dialects spoken in regions like Swabia, the phrase “nach rechts da” is used to indicate the direction to the right. It adds a local touch:
Luegusch, do bisch richtig – nach rechts da! (Look, you’re right – to the right there!)
Des Namal, d’Metzgerei isch direkt nach rechts da obe. (Listen, the butcher shop is right up there to the right.)
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned several ways to say “rechts” both formally and informally, along with a glimpse into some regional variations. Remember to use “rechts” in formal situations, “rechts rum” and “nach rechts gehen” when speaking casually, and be aware of regional differences like “rechtes” and “nach rechts da.” Practicing these variations will help you navigate directions and discussions more confidently. Keep up the great work, and enjoy expanding your German vocabulary!
