Signification
A direction to proceed in a straight line.
Contexte culturel
Germans are known for giving very direct and sometimes lengthy directions. If you ask for the way, expect a precise 'Gehen Sie 300 Meter geradeaus' rather than 'It's just up there'. In Vienna, you might hear 'Immer geradeaus' with a softer accent. People are generally very helpful but maintain the formal 'Sie' with strangers. Swiss German speakers might use 'graduus' in dialect, but in formal situations (High German), they will use 'Gehen Sie geradeaus'. Precision is even more emphasized here. In Berlin, directions can be curt. A 'Geradeaus!' might be all you get, but it's not necessarily meant to be rude—it's just the local 'Berliner Schnauze'.
Use your hands
When saying 'geradeaus', a hand gesture pointing forward helps clarify your meaning if your pronunciation isn't perfect yet.
Don't forget the 'aus'
Saying just 'Gehen Sie gerade' sounds like you are telling them to 'walk straight' (as in, don't wobble), which might be confusing!
Signification
A direction to proceed in a straight line.
Use your hands
When saying 'geradeaus', a hand gesture pointing forward helps clarify your meaning if your pronunciation isn't perfect yet.
Don't forget the 'aus'
Saying just 'Gehen Sie gerade' sounds like you are telling them to 'walk straight' (as in, don't wobble), which might be confusing!
Add 'immer'
Adding 'immer' (always) makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Immer geradeaus!'
Politeness matters
Always start with 'Entschuldigung' (Excuse me) before asking for or giving directions.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the formal direction.
Gehen Sie bitte ________.
'Geradeaus' is the correct term for 'straight ahead'.
Which sentence is the correct formal imperative?
You want to tell a stranger to walk straight.
'Gehen Sie' is the formal imperative form used for strangers.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Museum? B: ________ Sie einfach geradeaus.
Since the person is likely walking, 'Gehen' is the appropriate verb.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a taxi and want to go straight.
Use 'fahren' for vehicles like taxis.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGehen Sie bitte ________.
'Geradeaus' is the correct term for 'straight ahead'.
You want to tell a stranger to walk straight.
'Gehen Sie' is the formal imperative form used for strangers.
A: Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Museum? B: ________ Sie einfach geradeaus.
Since the person is likely walking, 'Gehen' is the appropriate verb.
You are in a taxi and want to go straight.
Use 'fahren' for vehicles like taxis.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but you should change the verb to 'fahren'. 'Fahren Sie geradeaus.'
It is written as one word: 'geradeaus'.
The informal version is 'Geh geradeaus' (to one person) or 'Geht geradeaus' (to a group).
It specifically means 'straight ahead'. 'Vorwärts' means 'forward'.
Not really. Use 'Sei ehrlich' or 'Sag es geradeheraus' for honesty.
To a stranger, yes. You should use the full sentence 'Gehen Sie geradeaus'.
Use 'Gehen Sie lange geradeaus' or 'Immer geradeaus'.
Use 'Geh geradeaus', as 'Sie' is too formal for a child.
Yes, it is the standard term used by navigation systems in Germany.
The opposite would be 'abbiegen' (to turn) or 'umkehren' (to turn around).
Expressions liées
Biegen Sie links ab
contrastTurn left
Biegen Sie rechts ab
contrastTurn right
Immer geradeaus
builds onKeep going straight
Kehren Sie um
contrastTurn around / U-turn
Überqueren Sie {die|f} Straße
similarCross the street
