Signification
An imperative to be careful or attentive.
Contexte culturel
In Germany, 'Pass auf!' is a sign of social cohesion. People will warn strangers of ice on the sidewalk or an open bag. It is not considered 'meddling' but rather 'Zivilcourage' (civil courage) on a small scale. Austrians might use 'Obacht!' or 'Schau!' more frequently than 'Pass auf!', especially in rural areas. The tone is often slightly more melodic but the intent is just as direct. In Swiss German, you might hear 'Pass uuf!' (with a long 'u'). The Swiss value 'Sorgfalt' (carefulness) highly, and this phrase is central to their daily interactions. The verb 'aufpassen' is the most important word in a German classroom. It defines the relationship between teacher and student. A student who doesn't 'aufpasst' is seen as wasting the group's time.
The 'Auf' Sandwich
When using an object, remember the 'auf' sandwich: Pass [auf] the object [auf]!
Don't be too aggressive
Yelling 'Pass auf!' can sound like an angry command. Use a calm tone if there's no immediate danger.
Signification
An imperative to be careful or attentive.
The 'Auf' Sandwich
When using an object, remember the 'auf' sandwich: Pass [auf] the object [auf]!
Don't be too aggressive
Yelling 'Pass auf!' can sound like an angry command. Use a calm tone if there's no immediate danger.
The Goodbye Rule
Always use 'Pass auf dich auf' when saying goodbye to someone you care about; it shows you value their safety.
Classroom Success
If a teacher says 'Passen Sie auf!', stop writing and look at them immediately. It's a high-priority signal.
Teste-toi
Which form is correct for a teacher speaking to a whole class?
Kinder, bitte ______ !
The plural informal imperative (ihr-form) is 'passt auf'.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and article.
Ich passe auf ______ (the, masc.) Hund auf.
The preposition 'auf' in this context takes the accusative case. {der|m} Hund becomes 'den Hund'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Pass auf dich auf! | 2. Passen Sie auf! | 3. Pass auf!
'Pass auf dich auf' is for goodbyes, 'Passen Sie auf' is formal, and 'Pass auf' is an informal warning.
What would Person B say?
Person A: 'Ich habe mein Portemonnaie hier auf dem Tisch gelassen.' | Person B: 'Keine Sorge, ich ______.'
The full structure is 'aufpassen auf + object'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKinder, bitte ______ !
The plural informal imperative (ihr-form) is 'passt auf'.
Ich passe auf ______ (the, masc.) Hund auf.
The preposition 'auf' in this context takes the accusative case. {der|m} Hund becomes 'den Hund'.
1. Pass auf dich auf! | 2. Passen Sie auf! | 3. Pass auf!
'Pass auf dich auf' is for goodbyes, 'Passen Sie auf' is formal, and 'Pass auf' is an informal warning.
Person A: 'Ich habe mein Portemonnaie hier auf dem Tisch gelassen.' | Person B: 'Keine Sorge, ich ______.'
The full structure is 'aufpassen auf + object'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt depends on the tone. In an emergency, it's helpful. In a calm conversation, it can be a bit direct, so adding 'bitte' (Pass bitte auf) helps.
'Achtung!' is more formal and often used for general warnings (like on a sign). 'Pass auf!' is more personal and specific to an action.
Yes, but only as 'Pass auf dich auf'. Just 'Pass auf!' sounds like a warning of immediate danger.
You say: 'Pass auf den Hund auf!' (using the accusative case for 'den Hund').
Yes: 'Ich habe aufgepasst' (I paid attention) or 'Ich passte auf' (I was paying attention).
Only if you are talking about your skills, e.g., 'Ich passe immer sehr genau auf Details auf.' Don't use the imperative form!
It is the plural form. Use it when talking to two or more friends or children.
Because 'aufpassen' is a separable verb. In German, the prefix of such verbs moves to the end of the clause.
Yes, 'Obacht' is a more old-fashioned or regional (Bavarian/Austrian) way to say 'Pass auf!'.
No, that would be very rude. You should use 'Passen Sie auf' only if you are warning them of danger.
Literally, yes, but nobody uses it that way. It almost always means to watch out or pay attention.
Translating 'Watch out' as 'Schau aus'. Avoid this at all costs!
Expressions liées
Vorsicht!
synonymCaution!
Achtung!
similarAttention!
Pass auf dich auf
specialized formTake care of yourself
Beachte...
contrastNote that...
Obacht!
similarWatch out!
Hör zu!
similarListen up!
