Gassi
The English phrase walkies is translated into German as Gassi.
The term Gassi is almost exclusively used in the context of taking a dog for a walk. In a relaxed setting, you can use this shortened version to convey the idea of going for a walk with your dog, often used by pet owners in a playful or shorthand manner similar to the English word 'walkies'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression Gassi gehen is colloquial and is less formal than saying mit dem Hund spazieren gehen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Gassi is typically used as an adverbial noun in the fixed phrase Gassi gehen.
Did you know?
- If you use Gassi gehen to describe a walk with a human friend, a German speaker will find it very strange or think you are treating them like a pet.
- The word Gassi is actually a diminutive form of the word Gasse, which means a narrow street or alleyway.
- Unlike the English 'walkies' which sounds like baby talk, Gassi is a standard colloquialism used by adults of all ages without sounding childish.
Examples in context
- Ich gehe mit meinem Hund Gassi.I'm going for a walk with my dog.
- Ich möchte mit meinem Hund spazieren gehen.I would like to go for a walk with my dog.
- Ich muss jetzt schnell Gassi gehen.I have to go for walkies quickly now.
- Gassi gehen macht dem Hund viel Spaß.Going for walkies is a lot of fun for the dog.
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to do with their puppy on a sunny afternoon.
- SarahFelix, wollen wir mit dem Hund Gassi gehen?Felix, do you want to go for walkies with the dog?
- FelixJa, das ist eine gute Idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- SarahEr freut sich schon sehr.He is already very excited.
- FelixDann schnapp dir die Leine.Then grab the leash.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gassi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
