In 15 Seconds
- Means taking a cab as a passenger.
- Uses the verb 'fahren' instead of 'nehmen'.
- Commonly used for airport trips or late nights.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are taking a cab. It describes the act of being a passenger in a taxi to get somewhere.
Key Examples
3 of 6Planning a trip to the airport
Wir fahren morgen früh mit dem Taxi zum Flughafen.
We are taking a taxi to the airport tomorrow morning.
Deciding how to get home after a party
Es ist spät, lass uns lieber Taxi fahren.
It is late, let's rather take a taxi.
Asking a business partner about their commute
Sind Sie mit dem Taxi gefahren oder mit der Bahn?
Did you come by taxi or by train?
Cultural Background
Taxis in Germany are strictly regulated. They are almost all the same color (light ivory) and must have a visible fare meter. You usually find them at a 'Taxistand' rather than hailing them on the street. In Vienna, taxis are a common way to get home after the opera or theater. It is polite to greet the driver with 'Grüß Gott'. Taxi fahren in Switzerland is among the most expensive in the world. People often prefer the highly efficient train system unless absolutely necessary.
Small Talk
Taxi drivers in Germany don't always expect small talk. A simple 'Guten Tag' and the destination is often enough.
Payment
While most taxis now take cards, it's always safer to ask 'Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?' before the trip starts.
In 15 Seconds
- Means taking a cab as a passenger.
- Uses the verb 'fahren' instead of 'nehmen'.
- Commonly used for airport trips or late nights.
What It Means
Taxi fahren is your go-to phrase for using a cab. In German, you don't 'take' a taxi like you do in English. Instead, you 'drive' it. Don't worry, you aren't behind the wheel. You are just the passenger enjoying the ride. It is a simple, everyday collocation. It combines the noun Taxi with the verb fahren (to drive/travel).
How To Use It
You will mostly use this with the verb fahren. If you want to say 'I am taking a taxi,' you say Ich fahre Taxi. You can also say Ich fahre mit dem Taxi. Both are perfectly fine. The first one is a bit more general. The second one specifies the mode of transport. Remember to conjugate the verb fahren. For example, er fährt or wir fahren. It is a strong verb, so the 'a' changes to 'ä' for 'he/she/it'.
When To Use It
Use this whenever you discuss your transport plans. Use it at the airport when looking for a ride. Use it after a long night at the pub with friends. It works perfectly when talking to a hotel receptionist. You can also use it when texting a friend your ETA. It is a very practical, high-frequency phrase for any traveler.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are actually the taxi driver. Well, you could, but people might get confused. Also, don't use it for public transport like buses or trains. For those, you say Bus fahren or Zug fahren. If you are walking, definitely don't use it. If you are just sitting in a parked taxi, use im Taxi sitzen instead.
Cultural Background
German taxis are famous for being cream-colored (beige) Mercedes-Benz cars. They are incredibly clean and well-maintained. Taking a taxi in Germany is often seen as a reliable but pricey option. Unlike some countries, you usually find them at designated 'Taxistand' ranks. You don't always hail them on the street with a whistle. It is common to tip about 10% or round up the fare. Germans value punctuality, and taxi drivers usually deliver on that.
Common Variations
You will often hear mit dem Taxi fahren. This is slightly more specific. Another variation is ein Taxi nehmen (to take a taxi). This sounds more like the English version and is also common. If you are calling for one, use ein Taxi rufen or ein Taxi bestellen. If you are sharing the cost, you might talk about a Sammeltaxi.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all levels of formality. Be careful with the irregular conjugation of `fahren` in the second and third person singular.
Small Talk
Taxi drivers in Germany don't always expect small talk. A simple 'Guten Tag' and the destination is often enough.
Payment
While most taxis now take cards, it's always safer to ask 'Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?' before the trip starts.
The Receipt
Always ask for a 'Quittung' (receipt). It's useful if you forget something in the car.
Examples
6Wir fahren morgen früh mit dem Taxi zum Flughafen.
We are taking a taxi to the airport tomorrow morning.
Using 'mit dem' makes the sentence feel very specific and planned.
Es ist spät, lass uns lieber Taxi fahren.
It is late, let's rather take a taxi.
A very common suggestion among friends for safety or convenience.
Sind Sie mit dem Taxi gefahren oder mit der Bahn?
Did you come by taxi or by train?
A polite way to start a conversation in a professional setting.
Ich fahre gerade Taxi und bin in zehn Minuten da.
I'm in a taxi right now and will be there in ten minutes.
Short and efficient for a quick status update.
Mein Konto sagt Bus, aber meine Beine wollen Taxi fahren.
My bank account says bus, but my legs want to take a taxi.
A relatable joke about choosing comfort over budget.
Tut mir leid, Taxi fahren hat heute ewig gedauert.
I'm sorry, taking a taxi took forever today.
Used here as a gerund-like phrase to explain a delay.
Test Yourself
Which sentence means 'I went by taxi'?
Gestern ___ ich Taxi ___.
Movement verbs use 'sein' (bin) and the past participle (gefahren).
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fahren'.
Er ___ jeden Morgen mit dem Taxi zur Arbeit.
The third person singular of 'fahren' is 'fährt'.
Match the German phrase to its English meaning.
Phrases: 1. Taxi fahren, 2. Taxifahrer, 3. Taxistand
Fahren is the action, -er is the person, -stand is the location.
What is the most natural response?
A: Der Bus kommt nicht. B: Okay, dann ___ ___ ___.
If the bus doesn't come, taking a taxi is the logical alternative.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Transport Verbs
Public
- • Bus fahren
- • Zug fahren
- • U-Bahn fahren
Private/Hired
- • Taxi fahren
- • Auto fahren
- • Rad fahren
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern ___ ich Taxi ___.
Movement verbs use 'sein' (bin) and the past participle (gefahren).
Er ___ jeden Morgen mit dem Taxi zur Arbeit.
The third person singular of 'fahren' is 'fährt'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Fahren is the action, -er is the person, -stand is the location.
A: Der Bus kommt nicht. B: Okay, dann ___ ___ ___.
If the bus doesn't come, taking a taxi is the logical alternative.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, 'Taxi fahren' is perfectly correct and very common. 'Mit dem Taxi fahren' is just slightly more formal.
As a verb phrase, it's two words: 'Ich möchte Taxi fahren.' As a noun (the act of taking taxis), it's one word: 'Das Taxifahren ist teuer.'
Technically no, but colloquially many people say 'Ich fahre Taxi' even if they called an Uber.
Related Phrases
Schwarzfahren
contrastTo ride public transport without a ticket.
Tram fahren
similarTo take the tram.
Anhalter fahren
similarTo hitchhike.
