Meaning
Indicates that someone undertakes an activity aware of potential dangers.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Eigenverantwortung' is central. Germans often feel that if a warning sign is present, the individual is 100% responsible for any subsequent mishap. Similar to Germany, but even more emphasis on personal safety in the mountains. Rescue costs can be extremely high if you ignore 'auf eigene Gefahr' warnings. In Austria, this phrase is common in the tourism industry, especially regarding lakes and alpine sports, to protect local municipalities from lawsuits. German tech companies use this phrase in 'End User License Agreements' (EULA) to comply with strict German consumer protection laws while still limiting liability.
Look for the signs
When walking in Germany, look for 'Betreten verboten' vs 'Betreten auf eigene Gefahr'. The latter is actually an invitation, just a cautious one!
Legal weight
In Germany, this phrase has real legal weight. If you ignore it and get hurt, it is very difficult to sue for damages.
Meaning
Indicates that someone undertakes an activity aware of potential dangers.
Look for the signs
When walking in Germany, look for 'Betreten verboten' vs 'Betreten auf eigene Gefahr'. The latter is actually an invitation, just a cautious one!
Legal weight
In Germany, this phrase has real legal weight. If you ignore it and get hurt, it is very difficult to sue for damages.
Use it ironically
You can use it with friends when they are about to eat something weird or wear something bold to add a humorous touch of 'danger'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words for this common sign.
Betreten ______ eigene ______.
The fixed expression is 'auf eigene Gefahr'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A friend wants to do something risky. What do you say?
'Gefahr' is feminine, so 'eigene' is correct. The preposition must be 'auf'.
Match the sign to the location.
Where would you most likely see 'Parken auf eigene Gefahr'?
Parking lots use this to avoid liability for theft or damage.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Kann ich die {die|f} Pilze essen?' B: 'Ich weiß nicht, ob sie giftig sind. ______ ______ ______ ______.'
B is warning A that they are taking a risk by eating unknown mushrooms.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where you see 'Auf eigene Gefahr'
Public Spaces
- • Lakes
- • Forests
- • Playgrounds
Private Property
- • Parking lots
- • Construction sites
- • Driveways
Digital World
- • Beta software
- • External links
- • Unverified files
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBetreten ______ eigene ______.
The fixed expression is 'auf eigene Gefahr'.
A friend wants to do something risky. What do you say?
'Gefahr' is feminine, so 'eigene' is correct. The preposition must be 'auf'.
Where would you most likely see 'Parken auf eigene Gefahr'?
Parking lots use this to avoid liability for theft or damage.
A: 'Kann ich die {die|f} Pilze essen?' B: 'Ich weiß nicht, ob sie giftig sind. ______ ______ ______ ______.'
B is warning A that they are taking a risk by eating unknown mushrooms.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, they are direct equivalents in both meaning and usage, from legal signs to personal warnings.
Yes, that is also correct and very common, especially in financial or business contexts.
Because 'Gefahr' is a feminine noun, and in the accusative case after 'auf', the adjective takes the '-e' ending.
Not necessarily, but it is very serious. It sounds like a final warning before you wash your hands of the situation.
No, in the standard expression 'Auf eigene Gefahr', the article is omitted.
'Gefahr' sounds more like physical danger, while 'Risiko' sounds more like a calculated chance of loss.
Yes, if you are sending a file that might be large or a link that is unverified, you can say 'Öffnen auf eigene Gefahr'.
It means 'Enter at your own risk'. You are allowed to enter, but the owner won't help if you trip or get hurt.
Yes, 'Auf deine Kappe' or 'Dein Bier' are much more informal ways to say 'it's your responsibility'.
Yes, it is standard across all German-speaking countries.
Related Phrases
Auf eigenes Risiko
synonymAt one's own risk
Auf eigene Faust
similarOn one's own initiative
Auf eigene Kappe
similarOn one's own head/cap
Haftung ausgeschlossen
specialized formLiability excluded
Eigenverantwortung
builds onPersonal responsibility
