Guten Tag! If you’re planning on navigating the streets of Germany or simply want to expand your German language skills, knowing how to give directions is essential. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to say “turn left” in German, including both formal and informal phrases. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Phrases for “Turn Left”
When you need to provide directions in a formal setting, such as to a stranger or someone in a professional environment, it is important to use formal language. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. Biegen Sie links ab.
This is the most common and straightforward way to say “turn left” in a formal context. It can be used in any German-speaking region and is widely understood. Remember to pronounce it as “Bee-gen zee links ahb.”
2. Fahren Sie nach links.
An alternative to “biegen Sie links ab” is “fahren Sie nach links,” which means “drive to the left.” This phrase is slightly more formal and is commonly used in business or official settings. Pronounce it as “Fah-ren zee nahkh links.”
3. Gehen Sie nach links.
If you are providing directions to a pedestrian or someone who is walking, you can say “gehen Sie nach links,” which means “go to the left.” It’s a polite and formal way of indicating a left turn in a walking context. Pronounce it as “Gay-en zee nahkh links.”
Informal Phrases for “Turn Left”
When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more relaxed and informal expressions to say “turn left.” Here are some common phrases:
1. Geh links.
To tell someone to “turn left” in an informal way, you can simply say “geh links.” This is a concise and widely understood phrase. Pronounce it as “Gay links.”
2. Bieg links ab.
A slightly more explicit version of “geh links” is “bieg links ab,” which means “turn left.” This phrase is commonly used among friends or in casual conversations. Pronounce it as “Beeg links ahb.”
3. Nimm die linke Abzweigung.
If you want to provide more specific directions, you can say “nimm die linke Abzweigung,” which translates to “take the left turn-off.” This phrase is often used when giving directions while driving. Pronounce it as “Nimm dee lin-keh Ab-zvigh-oong.”
Tips and Examples
Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to say “turn left” in German, let’s dive into some tips and examples to enrich your understanding:
Tips:
- Remember to use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation.
- If unsure, opt for the formal phrases as they are universally understood.
- Pay attention to regional dialects and variations when communicating in different parts of Germany.
- Pronunciation is key, so try to imitate the examples provided.
Examples:
If you’re in a formal context, you can say, “Bitte biegen Sie an der nächsten Kreuzung links ab” (Please turn left at the next intersection).
If you’re speaking casually, you may say to a friend, “Hey, geh einfach links” (Hey, just turn left).
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these phrases, the more confident you’ll become in your German language skills. Whether you’re exploring bustling German cities or engaging in German conversations, knowing how to say “turn left” is an essential tool for effective communication.
Alles Gute (All the best) as you embark on your language learning journey!
