Pass auf in German primarily means 'pay attention', 'watch out', or 'be careful'.
What Does 'Pass Auf' Mean in German?
The German phrase pass auf is an imperative (command) form derived from the verb aufpassen, which means "to pay attention" or "to be careful." It is a versatile expression used in various contexts, primarily to alert someone or advise caution.
Core Meanings and Usage
When someone says Pass auf!, they are directly addressing you (informal 'du') and urging you to be vigilant. The precise meaning can vary slightly depending on the situation, but its core function is to draw attention or warn of potential issues.
Common translations for Pass auf! include:
- Beware!
- Take care!
- Look out!
- Watch out!
- Be careful!
- Pay attention!
This phrase is often used as a direct, short warning or a reminder to stay alert.
Contextual Examples of 'Pass Auf'
The specific nuance of pass auf becomes clearer in context. Here are some common scenarios:
- As a Warning of Danger: When there's an immediate threat or something to avoid.
- "Pass auf! Ein Auto kommt!" (Look out! A car is coming!)
- "Pass auf, die Stufe ist kaputt!" (Watch out, the step is broken!)
- As Advice for Caution: When advising someone to be careful or to ensure their safety.
- "Pass auf, dass du nicht stolperst." (Be careful not to trip.)
- "Pass auf, wenn du die Straße überquerst." (Be careful when you cross the street.)
- As a Request for Attention: To ensure someone is listening or understanding.
- "Pass auf, was ich dir jetzt sage." (Pay attention to what I'm telling you now.)
- "Pass auf im Unterricht." (Pay attention in class.)
Related Phrases and Grammatical Forms
While pass auf is the informal singular imperative, there are other forms used depending on who you are addressing:
| German Phrase | English Meaning | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
Pass auf! |
Watch out! / Be careful! | Informal singular (addressing "du"). |
Passen Sie auf! |
Watch out! / Be careful! | Formal singular or plural (addressing "Sie"). |
Passt auf! |
Watch out! / Be careful! | Informal plural (addressing "ihr"). |
Pass auf dich auf! |
Take care of yourself! | A common farewell, specifically caring for one's well-being. |
Aufpassen |
To pay attention / To be careful | The infinitive verb from which the imperatives are formed. |
Understanding pass auf and its variations is crucial for navigating everyday conversations in German, especially when needing to express caution or draw someone's attention. For more information on German verb conjugations and expressions, you can consult an online German dictionary like LEO.org.
