German Directions: Understand Left, Right, and Straight Ahead
Learn to follow simple spoken directions in German. Master key phrases for left, right, and straight ahead, ask for repetition, and understand commands like 'Gehen Sie geradeaus'.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When someone gives you directions in German, you need to catch the key words fast: links, rechts, geradeaus. This lesson focuses on understanding those words in real time, asking for repetition, and recognizing the difference between a direction and a command to move aside. You will practice with a short dialogue and learn to respond appropriately.
By the end, you can…
- understand and follow basic spoken directions in German.
- ask someone to repeat directions or speak more slowly.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Gehen Sie geradeaus.
Go straight ahead.
GAY-en zee guh-RAH-duh-ous
Formal singular/plural. Use with strangers or in shops.
Biegen Sie links ab.
Turn left.
BEE-gen zee links ap
Formal. The verb 'abbiegen' is separable; 'ab' goes to the end.
Biegen Sie rechts ab.
Turn right.
BEE-gen zee rechts ap
Formal. Common when giving street directions.
Gehen Sie die erste Straße links.
Take the first street on the left.
GAY-en zee dee AIR-stuh SHTRAH-suh links
Formal. 'Die erste Straße' means 'the first street'.
Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
Can you repeat that, please?
KUHN-en zee das BIT-tuh vee-der-HOH-len
Polite way to ask for repetition. Use with anyone.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
German directions often use the formal imperative with 'Sie': 'Gehen Sie...' (Go...), 'Biegen Sie... ab' (Turn...). The verb comes first, then 'Sie'. For example: 'Gehen Sie geradeaus, dann biegen Sie rechts ab.' (Go straight, then turn right.) To understand, listen for the direction word at the end or after the verb: links, rechts, geradeaus. The separable verb 'abbiegen' splits: 'Biegen Sie links ab.'
When to use it
Use these phrases when asking staff in a store, a passerby, or a receptionist. They are polite and standard. If you need someone to move, say 'Gehen Sie bitte zur Seite' (Please step aside) or 'Machen Sie bitte Platz' (Please make room). These are softer than 'Geh weg!' (Go away!), which is rude. For 'get out of the way', 'Aus dem Weg!' is a direct command, but it can sound harsh; use it only in urgent situations.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Entschuldigung, wo ist die Post?
Excuse me, where is the post office?ent-SHOOL-dee-goong, voh ist dee postGehen Sie geradeaus, dann biegen Sie links ab.
Go straight ahead, then turn left.GAY-en zee guh-RAH-duh-ous, dan BEE-gen zee links apKönnen Sie das bitte wiederholen?
Can you repeat that, please?KUHN-en zee das BIT-tuh vee-der-HOH-lenGeradeaus, dann die erste Straße links.
Straight ahead, then the first street on the left.guh-RAH-duh-ous, dan dee AIR-stuh SHTRAH-suh linksA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, formal 'Sie' is standard with strangers. Using 'du' with a stranger can be too informal. Directions are often given with landmarks: 'an der Bank' (at the bank), 'an der Ampel' (at the traffic light). If you don't understand, it's fine to ask 'Wie bitte?' (Pardon?) or 'Langsamer, bitte' (Slower, please).
One thing to watch for
Using 'Geh weg!' to mean 'Get out of the way' in a polite context.
Try this instead: 'Geh weg!' means 'Go away!' and is rude. For 'get out of the way', say 'Aus dem Weg!' or more politely 'Gehen Sie bitte zur Seite.' Example: 'Aus dem Weg, bitte!' is direct but acceptable in urgent situations.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'Turn right' formally in German?
Show a sample answer
Biegen Sie rechts ab.
This uses the formal imperative with 'Sie'. 'Rechts' means right. The separable verb 'abbiegen' puts 'ab' at the end. 'Biegen Sie nach rechts ab' is also correct.
2What does 'Gehen Sie geradeaus' mean?
Show a sample answer
Go straight ahead.
'Geradeaus' means straight ahead. The formal 'Sie' makes it polite. You can also say 'Gehen Sie geradeaus weiter' to mean continue straight.
3How would you politely ask someone to repeat directions?
Show a sample answer
Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?
This is a polite request. 'Wiederholen' means to repeat. You could also say 'Wie bitte?' or 'Noch einmal, bitte.'
Listen for links, rechts, and geradeaus. Use 'Biegen Sie ... ab' for turns and 'Gehen Sie ...' for going. Ask 'Können Sie das wiederholen?' if you miss something. For moving aside, 'Aus dem Weg!' is direct; 'Gehen Sie bitte zur Seite' is polite.
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