gerade
/ɡəˈraːdə/
In German, 'straight' is translated as gerade.
gerade is used to describe something that is not crooked or bent, such as a line. In a mathematical context, it is also used to refer to a straight line. Note that when giving directions to move 'straight ahead', the adverb geradeaus is used instead of gerade. While Direkt can also be used to convey the meaning of being direct without deviation, gerade is the standard term for geometric straightness. Additionally, if you want to express the concept of being 'straight' in terms of sexual orientation, you should use the phrase Ich bin heterosexuell.
Meaning: not crooked or bent (adj)
Which one should you use?
Be careful with the word gerade in spoken German, as it can also mean 'just' (e.g., 'I just arrived') or 'currently'. This is a different meaning from the geometric 'straight'. When providing directions, use geradeaus for 'straight ahead' or use the phrases immer geradeaus for 'always straight ahead' and nicht abbiegen for 'don't turn'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb meaning 'straight' or 'directly', gerade does not change its form. There is also a related form stracks which means 'directly' or 'without pause, delay or detour'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈraːdə/
Did you know?
- In German, the word for 'even numbers' is gerade Zahlen, meaning they are 'straight numbers'.
- The word gerade is etymologically linked to the word for 'wheel', which is Rad.
- The word gerade can function as a particle to emphasize a specific point, similar to the English word 'precisely'.
Examples in context
- Du musst gerade sitzen.You should sit up straight.This sentence shows how to use gerade to describe sitting up straight.Tatoeba #10172869 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10172766 by CK
- Gehen Sie immer geradeaus!Go straight on.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase for giving directions.Tatoeba #444671 by Espi, translation #32539 by Dejo
- Zeichne eine gerade Linie.Draw a straight line.This sentence shows the use of gerade regarding a geometric line.Tatoeba #544614 by jakov, translation #278252 by SUZIE
- Gehen Sie geradeausGo straight ahead
- Gehen Sie direkt zur TürGo straight to the door
- Einfach geradeaus laufen!Just walk straight ahead!
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are looking at a wooden table in a store.
- LukasIst diese Kante gerade?Is this edge straight?
- SarahJa, sie ist völlig gerade.Yes, it is completely straight.
- LukasDas sieht sehr gut aus.That looks very good.
- SarahLass uns diesen Tisch kaufen.Let's buy this table.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “straight” translations and entries gerade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gerade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
