Significado
To take precautions to avoid risks or problems.
Contexto cultural
Germans have one of the highest rates of insurance per capita. This idiom is a linguistic reflection of the cultural desire to be 'abgesichert' (covered/insured). In Swiss culture, precision and safety are paramount. The phrase is used frequently in banking and watchmaking contexts to emphasize quality control. While Austrians are sometimes seen as more 'gemütlich' (relaxed), in official and legal matters, they use this phrase just as strictly as Germans. In German business meetings, 'auf der sicheren Seite sein' is often used to slow down risky innovations. It is a key phrase for risk managers.
Use with 'um...zu'
This is the most natural way to use the phrase. Practice saying 'Ich mache das, um auf der sicheren Seite zu sein.'
Dative Case
Don't forget that 'auf' + location (even metaphorical) takes the dative. It's 'der sicheren Seite', never 'die sichere Seite'.
Significado
To take precautions to avoid risks or problems.
Use with 'um...zu'
This is the most natural way to use the phrase. Practice saying 'Ich mache das, um auf der sicheren Seite zu sein.'
Dative Case
Don't forget that 'auf' + location (even metaphorical) takes the dative. It's 'der sicheren Seite', never 'die sichere Seite'.
Business Context
In meetings, use this phrase to suggest more research without sounding negative about an idea.
Sicherheit
Remember that being 'safe' is a high virtue in Germany. Using this phrase makes you sound very culturally integrated.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Ich nehme eine Jacke mit, um auf ___ _________ _____ zu sein.
The idiom requires the dative case ('der') and the singular 'Seite'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm playing it safe'?
Wie sagt man das auf Deutsch?
The preposition 'auf' and the verb 'sein' are the standard components.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Warum hast du zwei Wecker gestellt?' B: 'Ich wollte...'
Both 'auf der sicheren Seite sein' and 'auf Nummer sicher gehen' work perfectly here.
Match the action to the reason.
Warum macht man das?
Making a backup is a precautionary action, which fits the idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIch nehme eine Jacke mit, um auf ___ _________ _____ zu sein.
The idiom requires the dative case ('der') and the singular 'Seite'.
Wie sagt man das auf Deutsch?
The preposition 'auf' and the verb 'sein' are the standard components.
A: 'Warum hast du zwei Wecker gestellt?' B: 'Ich wollte...'
Both 'auf der sicheren Seite sein' and 'auf Nummer sicher gehen' work perfectly here.
Warum macht man das?
Making a backup is a precautionary action, which fits the idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's usually about a situation or a decision. If you want to say a person is safe, say 'Er ist in Sicherheit'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Sicherheitshalber' is an adverb (just in case). 'Auf der sicheren Seite sein' is a full idiom. They mean the same thing.
Because 'auf' is a Wechselpräposition. Here it describes a state (where are you?), so it takes the dative case. 'Die Seite' becomes 'der Seite'.
Yes: 'Ich war auf der sicheren Seite.'
Yes, it is used throughout the entire German-speaking world.
Yes, 'stehen' (to stand) is also possible and means the same as 'sein'.
Yes, it is the closest equivalent in meaning.
Very often, especially regarding the economy or health regulations.
Technically yes, but it sounds a bit idiomatic. Usually, it's for decisions.
Frases relacionadas
Auf Nummer sicher gehen
similarTo take the safe path.
Sicherheitshalber
synonymFor safety's sake.
Doppelt hält besser
builds onDouble is better / Two is better than one.
Vorsicht ist die Mutter der Porzellankiste
similarCaution is the mother of the porcelain box.
Kein Risiko eingehen
synonymTo take no risk.
