How to Say “Take Care of You” in German

By •
auf dich aufpassen
The English phrase "take care of you" is translated into German as auf dich aufpassen.
This phrase is used to keep someone safe or watch over them to ensure they are not in danger.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of the preposition auf (on/upon), the accusative pronoun dich (you) and the separable verb aufpassen (to pay attention/watch).

Which one should you use?

For a command or a parting wish such as "Take care of yourself!", the verb aufpassen is conjugated and the prefix auf moves to the end of the sentence, as in Pass auf dich auf!

How does it change in a sentence?

To change the object of the phrase, replace the accusative pronoun dich with the desired person. For example, use auf uns aufpassen for "to take care of us", auf ihn aufpassen for "to take care of him" and auf euch aufpassen to address a group of people informally. To use the formal "you", replace dich with the formal accusative pronoun Sie to get auf Sie aufpassen.

Did you know?

  • While the stem passen comes from French, the specific meaning of 'being attentive' in aufpassen was created by mimicking the structure of the Dutch word oppassen.
  • Using aufpassen suggests a state of alertness and active watching for danger, whereas the English 'take care' often implies providing general comfort and support.
  • The command Pass auf! is a common shorthand for Pass auf dich auf!, which shifts the meaning from 'take care of yourself' to a more urgent 'watch out'.

Examples in context

  • Pass gut auf dich auf während deiner Reise!
    Take care of yourself during your trip!
  • Achten Sie gut auf sich während Ihrer Reise!
    Take good care of yourself during your trip!
  • Achte auf dich und bleib stark.
    Take care of yourself and stay strong.
  • Passen Sie gut auf sich auf und bleiben Sie stark.
    Take good care of yourself and stay strong.
  • Tschüss! Pass gut auf dich auf.
    Goodbye! Take care of yourself.
  • Auf Wiedersehen! Passen Sie gut auf sich auf.
    Goodbye! Take good care of yourself.
  • Ich werde auf dich aufpassen.
    I will take care of you.
  • Kann ich auf dich aufpassen?
    Can I watch over you?

Example conversation

Maximilian and Julia are about to leave for a crowded city center.

  1. Maximilian

    Es ist sehr voll hier.
    It is very crowded here.
  2. Julia

    Ich weiß, ich passe auf mich auf.
    I know, I'll take care of myself.
  3. Maximilian

    Ich werde trotzdem auf dich aufpassen.
    I will still take care of you.
  4. Julia

    Das ist sehr lieb von dir, Maximilian.
    That is very sweet of you, Maximilian.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏
Katrina Hannah
Katrina HannahHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Scroll to Top