Meaning
A caring way to say goodbye, wishing someone safety.
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Sicherheit' (safety) highly. This phrase is not just a polite filler; it is a genuine expression of concern. If someone says it to you, they likely consider you a friend. In Austria, you might hear 'Schau auf di' (Look after yourself). It's more dialectal but carries the exact same warmth and meaning as the High German version. Swiss Germans might say 'Pass uf di uf' (Swiss German dialect). The 'u' sound is more prominent, but the structure remains the same as in Germany. In the North, people are often more laconic. They might just say 'Pass auf!' with a nod, which in the context of a goodbye, still means 'Take care'.
Add 'gut' for extra warmth
Saying 'Pass GUT auf dich auf' makes you sound much more like a native speaker and shows deeper care.
Don't forget the second 'auf'
Without the final 'auf', the sentence feels unfinished to a German ear.
Meaning
A caring way to say goodbye, wishing someone safety.
Add 'gut' for extra warmth
Saying 'Pass GUT auf dich auf' makes you sound much more like a native speaker and shows deeper care.
Don't forget the second 'auf'
Without the final 'auf', the sentence feels unfinished to a German ear.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the farewell.
Tschüss, Maria! Pass ____ dich ____!
The verb is 'aufpassen' and the preposition is 'auf'.
Which sentence is the correct formal version?
You are saying goodbye to your doctor.
Formal address requires 'Sie' and the reflexive 'sich'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is driving home in a snowstorm.
This phrase is used to wish safety in potentially dangerous situations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ich fahre jetzt los. B: Okay, ____ ____ ____ ____ ____!
The standard informal imperative is 'pass auf dich auf'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Pass auf dich auf!'
Travel
- • Airport
- • Train station
- • Road trip
Night
- • After a party
- • Walking home
- • Late shift
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTschüss, Maria! Pass ____ dich ____!
The verb is 'aufpassen' and the preposition is 'auf'.
You are saying goodbye to your doctor.
Formal address requires 'Sie' and the reflexive 'sich'.
Situation: Your friend is driving home in a snowstorm.
This phrase is used to wish safety in potentially dangerous situations.
A: Ich fahre jetzt los. B: Okay, ____ ____ ____ ____ ____!
The standard informal imperative is 'pass auf dich auf'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsGenerally no. It's a bit too personal. Stick to 'Schönen Tag noch' (Have a nice day).
If you are talking to two or more friends, say 'Passt auf euch auf!'.
Yes, it's a very common way to end an informal email to a friend or family member.
No, unless your tone is very aggressive. With a friendly tone, it is always a wish for safety.
Related Phrases
Mach's gut
similarTake care / Take it easy
Vorsicht!
specialized formCaution! / Watch out!
Alles Gute
similarAll the best
Komm gut nach Hause
builds onGet home safely
