Meaning
A direction to make a left turn.
Cultural Background
Germans value precise directions. Don't be surprised if someone tells you to turn left in exactly 'achtzig Metern' (80 meters). In Austria, you might hear 'einbiegen' instead of 'abbiegen' in some contexts, though 'abbiegen' is perfectly understood. Swiss German speakers use 'links abbiege' in dialect, but in formal writing and GPS, the standard German 'Biegen Sie links ab' is used. The 'Rechts-vor-Links' rule means that when you are turning left, you must be extra careful of traffic coming from your right at unmarked intersections.
The 'Ab' Rule
Always remember to put 'ab' at the very end. It's the anchor of the sentence.
Don't say 'Drehen'
Avoid translating 'turn' literally from English. 'Drehen' will make people think you are spinning in circles.
Meaning
A direction to make a left turn.
The 'Ab' Rule
Always remember to put 'ab' at the very end. It's the anchor of the sentence.
Don't say 'Drehen'
Avoid translating 'turn' literally from English. 'Drehen' will make people think you are spinning in circles.
Add 'nach'
Saying 'nach links' sounds slightly more natural and fluent to native ears.
Politeness
Always use 'Sie' with people you don't know. It's safer and more respectful.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word for a formal command.
Biegen Sie links ___.
The verb is 'abbiegen', and 'ab' is the separable prefix that goes to the end.
Which sentence is the correct formal way to say 'Turn left'?
Choose the correct option:
'Biegen' is the correct verb for navigation, and the word order 'Verb + Sie + Adverb + Prefix' is required.
Match the German phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are the four basic directions in German.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and a taxi driver.
Passenger: 'An der {die|f} Ampel ...'
The verb 'biegen' must follow the location, followed by 'Sie' and then the rest of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBiegen Sie links ___.
The verb is 'abbiegen', and 'ab' is the separable prefix that goes to the end.
Choose the correct option:
'Biegen' is the correct verb for navigation, and the word order 'Verb + Sie + Adverb + Prefix' is required.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four basic directions in German.
Passenger: 'An der {die|f} Ampel ...'
The verb 'biegen' must follow the location, followed by 'Sie' and then the rest of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds like a command from a machine or a sign. Adding 'Sie' makes it a polite instruction to a person.
They are mostly interchangeable in this phrase. 'Nach links' emphasizes the direction 'toward the left'.
Because 'abbiegen' is a separable verb. In German, the prefix moves to the end in main clauses and commands.
You would use the informal: 'Bieg links ab'.
Yes, it is used for any mode of transport, including walking, cycling, and driving.
Only in very specific nautical or old-fashioned contexts. Stick to 'abbiegen' for daily life.
You can say 'Biegen Sie an der zweiten {die|f} Kreuzung links ab' (Turn left at the second intersection).
Yes, but it can also mean 'left-wing' in politics.
'Links abbiegen' is the standard. 'Linksum' is more like 'turning around to the left'.
The opposite is 'Biegen Sie rechts ab' (Turn right).
Related Phrases
rechts abbiegen
contrastTo turn right
geradeaus fahren
similarTo drive straight
wenden
similarTo make a U-turn
einbiegen
specialized formTo turn into (a street)
die Abbiegung
builds onThe turn/the junction
