In 15 Seconds
- Standard phrase for going fishing with a rod.
- Combines the verb 'angeln' with the movement 'gehen'.
- Used for hobbies, weekend plans, and relaxing activities.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are heading out to catch fish with a rod and line. It is used for the hobby or sport of fishing, rather than commercial fishing with nets.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing weekend plans with a neighbor
Am Samstag möchte ich endlich mal wieder angeln gehen.
I want to finally go fishing again on Saturday.
Explaining a hobby to a new acquaintance
Mein Großvater und ich sind früher oft zusammen angeln gegangen.
My grandfather and I used to go fishing together often.
A polite excuse for being unavailable
Herr Müller kann heute nicht kommen, er ist angeln gegangen.
Mr. Müller cannot come today; he has gone fishing.
Cultural Background
Fishing is highly regulated. You need a 'Fischereischein' (license) which requires a class and an exam. It's not just a hobby; it's a certified skill. In Southern Germany, fishing in Alpine lakes is a prestigious and traditional activity, often associated with specific local folklore. Coastal fishing (Brandungsangeln) is popular here. People go fishing for 'Dorsch' (cod) or 'Hering' (herring) directly from the beach. The greeting 'Petri Heil!' is mandatory among fishers. It refers to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishers.
The 'Sein' Rule
Always remember that 'angeln gehen' uses 'sein' in the past tense because it's a movement from point A to point B.
Petri Heil!
If you see someone with a rod, say 'Petri Heil!'. It makes you sound like a local expert.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard phrase for going fishing with a rod.
- Combines the verb 'angeln' with the movement 'gehen'.
- Used for hobbies, weekend plans, and relaxing activities.
What It Means
Angeln gehen is a simple, everyday phrase. It describes the act of leaving your house to go to a lake, river, or sea to catch fish. In German, angeln specifically refers to using a rod, line, and hook. It is a peaceful, slow-paced activity. You use it when you want to escape the noise of the city. It is about the journey and the patience, not just the catch.
How To Use It
You treat this like any other activity phrase in German. The verb gehen changes based on who is doing the action. For example, ich gehe angeln or wir gehen angeln. If you are talking about the past, you say ich bin angeln gegangen. It is very flexible. You can add a time or place easily. Ich gehe am Sonntag am See angeln. It sounds natural and friendly.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing your weekend plans. It is perfect for small talk with colleagues. You can use it when texting a friend to invite them out. It works well when describing your hobbies to new people. If you are on vacation near water, this phrase will be your best friend. It is a great way to explain why you are waking up at 4:00 AM.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are a professional fisherman with a giant net. That is usually called fischen. Avoid using it in a high-stakes business meeting unless you are talking about a literal hobby. Do not use it if you are 'fishing' for compliments; German has other expressions for that. Also, do not use it if you are just sitting by the water without a rod. That is just am Wasser sitzen.
Cultural Background
In Germany, fishing is a serious and regulated business. You cannot just throw a line into any pond. You usually need an Angelschein, which is a fishing license. Getting one often requires taking a class and passing an exam. This makes the phrase angeln gehen feel like a planned, respected activity. It is not just a casual whim; it is a dedicated craft.
Common Variations
You might hear fischen gehen, which is more general. Some regions might just say ich gehe an den See. If you want to wish someone luck, you say Petri Heil!. This is the traditional fisherman's greeting. If they have caught something, they respond with Petri Dank!. It is a secret language for those who love the water.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any social situation. Be careful with the past tense; it requires 'sein' as the auxiliary verb because 'gehen' implies a change of location.
The 'Sein' Rule
Always remember that 'angeln gehen' uses 'sein' in the past tense because it's a movement from point A to point B.
Petri Heil!
If you see someone with a rod, say 'Petri Heil!'. It makes you sound like a local expert.
License Required
Don't tell a German police officer you 'go fishing' without a license; it's a serious offense called 'Fischwilderei'.
Examples
6Am Samstag möchte ich endlich mal wieder angeln gehen.
I want to finally go fishing again on Saturday.
A very common way to talk about leisure time.
Mein Großvater und ich sind früher oft zusammen angeln gegangen.
My grandfather and I used to go fishing together often.
Uses the perfect tense to talk about a past habit.
Herr Müller kann heute nicht kommen, er ist angeln gegangen.
Mr. Müller cannot come today; he has gone fishing.
Neutral and professional enough for an office context.
Hast du Lust, morgen früh mit mir angeln zu gehen?
Do you feel like going fishing with me tomorrow morning?
Casual invitation using 'Lust haben'.
Ich gehe angeln, weil die Fische wenigstens nicht widersprechen.
I'm going fishing because at least the fish don't talk back.
A classic joke about the silence of the hobby.
Können wir in diesem Urlaub auch mal angeln gehen?
Can we go fishing at some point during this vacation?
Expressing a wish during travel planning.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'gehen'.
Gestern ___ wir am See angeln gegangen.
The perfect tense of 'angeln gehen' uses 'sein' (sind).
Which sentence is correct?
Select the right word order:
The conjugated verb 'gehe' is in position 2, and 'angeln' is at the end.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du am Sonntag Zeit? B: Nein, ich möchte mit meinem Opa ___ ___.
After 'möchte', we use the double infinitive at the end.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell your boss about your weekend hobby.
This is the most neutral and appropriate way to describe the activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Angeln vs. Fischen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern ___ wir am See angeln gegangen.
The perfect tense of 'angeln gehen' uses 'sein' (sind).
Select the right word order:
The conjugated verb 'gehe' is in position 2, and 'angeln' is at the end.
A: Hast du am Sonntag Zeit? B: Nein, ich möchte mit meinem Opa ___ ___.
After 'möchte', we use the double infinitive at the end.
You want to tell your boss about your weekend hobby.
This is the most neutral and appropriate way to describe the activity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is correct and understood, but 'angeln gehen' is more common for the hobby.
No, 'gehen' acts like a modal verb here. Just say 'Ich gehe angeln'.
It is 'Ich bin angeln gegangen' because 'gehen' is a verb of movement.
'Angeln' uses a rod and hook; 'fischen' is a general term that can include nets or commercial work.
It is neutral. You can use it in almost any context.
You say 'Ich gehe gerne angeln'.
It's a traditional greeting wishing the fisher 'Saint Peter's luck'.
No, for crabs you would say 'Krabben fangen'.
No, 'angeln' is a regular verb, but in this phrase, 'gehen' is the one that moves.
Yes, if asked about your hobbies, it's a perfectly fine answer.
Related Phrases
fischen gehen
synonymTo go fishing
einen dicken Fisch an der Angel haben
builds onTo have a big fish on the hook
sich etwas angeln
specialized formTo snag something
Petri Heil
similarGood luck fishing
im Trüben fischen
contrastTo fish in murky waters
