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losfahren

A2 verb #7,000 most common 11 min read

losfahren

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips losfahren in 30 Seconds

Explanation losfahren in your Level:

At the A1 level, students learn the basic verb 'fahren' (to drive/go). 'Losfahren' is introduced as a simple extension. Learners should focus on the concept of a separable verb: the 'los' goes to the end. At this stage, you use it for simple statements like 'Ich fahre los' (I am leaving). It is vital to understand that this verb implies a vehicle. You don't 'losfahren' to the kitchen; you 'losfahren' to another city or to work in a car. The focus is on the present tense and the basic meaning of starting a journey. You might see it in simple dialogues about meeting friends. For example, 'Wann fährst du los?' - 'Ich fahre um fünf Uhr los.' This helps establish the rhythm of German sentences where the verb parts are separated.

At the A2 level, 'losfahren' becomes a key vocabulary item for discussing daily routines and travel. Learners are expected to use the Perfekt tense correctly: 'Ich bin losgefahren.' The use of the auxiliary 'sein' is a major focus here. You also learn to combine 'losfahren' with modal verbs: 'Wir müssen jetzt losfahren.' This level introduces the idea of planning and coordination. You might describe a past trip: 'Gestern sind wir sehr früh losgefahren, um den Verkehr zu vermeiden.' The distinction between 'losfahren' (general) and 'abfahren' (scheduled) starts to become important. Learners should also be comfortable with the imperative 'Fahr los!' in informal contexts.

At the B1 level, you use 'losfahren' in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses. 'Ich rufe dich an, wenn wir losfahren' (I will call you when we set off). Here, the prefix does not separate, which is a key grammatical rule to master. You also start to use the verb in the Präteritum (fuhr los) in written stories, although Perfekt remains the standard for speaking. B1 learners use 'losfahren' to explain reasons and consequences: 'Weil wir zu spät losgefahren sind, haben wir den Anfang des Films verpasst.' The verb is now part of a broader set of travel-related vocabulary, and learners can use it to narrate more detailed stories about their journeys and experiences.

At the B2 level, 'losfahren' is used fluently and automatically. Learners can handle various nuances, such as using it in the Konjunktiv II: 'Wenn wir früher losgefahren wären, wären wir jetzt schon da' (If we had set off earlier, we would be there by now). The verb might appear in more abstract or idiomatic contexts, though it remains primarily literal. B2 learners can distinguish between 'losfahren' and more formal alternatives like 'die Reise antreten' or 'aufbrechen'. They understand the stylistic difference between saying 'Wir sind losgefahren' and 'Wir haben uns auf den Weg gemacht.' The focus at this level is on precision, speed, and using the verb correctly in complex hypothetical or reported speech scenarios.

At the C1 level, 'losfahren' is a basic building block used within sophisticated discourse. A C1 learner might use it in a narrative to set a scene or in a professional context to discuss logistics with high precision. They are aware of the rhythmic and prosodic features of the word in a sentence. They might use it in more creative writing to emphasize the suddenness of a departure. At this level, the focus is less on the word itself and more on its integration into high-level, nuanced German. For example, discussing the environmental impact of 'einfach mal losfahren' (just driving off) without a plan. The learner can also manipulate the word in complex passive constructions or nominalized forms if necessary, though 'die Abfahrt' is more common as a noun.

At the C2 level, 'losfahren' is used with the effortless precision of a native speaker. The learner understands every possible connotation, including regional variations in usage or rare literary applications. They can use the verb in complex philosophical or metaphorical discussions about 'the start' of things, though it remains a concrete verb of movement. A C2 speaker might use it in a joke, a pun, or a highly specific technical explanation without a second thought. They are also fully aware of the historical development of separable prefixes and how 'losfahren' fits into the broader evolution of the German language's verbal system. The mastery is total, covering all tenses, moods, and stylistic registers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

losfahren in 30 Seconds

Losfahren means to set off or depart using a vehicle such as a car, bus, or bicycle.
It is a separable verb, meaning the 'los' prefix moves to the end of main clauses.
In the past tense (Perfekt), it always uses 'sein' as the auxiliary verb: 'Ich bin losgefahren'.
It is different from 'losgehen', which is used for starting to walk on foot.

The German verb losfahren is a fundamental part of the German vocabulary, especially for learners at the A2 level. At its core, it means to set off, to depart, or to start driving, specifically by means of a vehicle. This vehicle could be a car, a bicycle, a bus, or even a train. The word is composed of two parts: the separable prefix los- and the base verb fahren. In German, the prefix los- often indicates the beginning of an action or a movement away from a point. Therefore, losfahren focuses specifically on the moment of departure rather than the entire duration of the trip.

Daily Commute: People use this word every day when discussing their morning routines. For example, if you want to tell someone what time you leave your house by car, you would use this verb. It implies the physical act of starting the engine and moving away from your parking spot.

Ich muss jetzt losfahren, sonst komme ich zu spät zur Arbeit.

Another common scenario involves travel and vacations. When a family is packed and ready to go on a road trip, someone might shout, "Wir fahren jetzt los!" (We are leaving now!). It captures the excitement and the official start of a journey. It is important to note that losfahren is almost always used for vehicles. If you are leaving on foot, you would use losgehen instead. This distinction is crucial for sounding natural in German.

Public Transportation: While 'abfahren' is more common for official schedules (like a train's departure time on a board), losfahren is used by passengers to describe the actual movement. "Der Bus fährt endlich los!" means the bus is finally moving.

Wann wollen wir morgen früh losfahren?

In a cultural context, Germans value punctuality. Therefore, the verb losfahren is frequently paired with adverbs of time like pünktlich (punctually) or sofort (immediately). Discussions about when to losfahren are a staple of German social planning, ensuring that everyone arrives at their destination at the agreed-upon time. Whether it is a short trip to the supermarket or a long drive across the Autobahn, this verb is your primary tool for describing the start of vehicular travel.

Sobald alle im Auto sitzen, können wir losfahren.

Spontaneity: Sometimes losfahren is used to describe a spontaneous decision. "Wir sind einfach losgefahren, ohne ein Ziel zu haben" (We just set off without having a destination).

Der Zug ist gerade losgefahren, du hast ihn knapp verpasst.

Ultimately, losfahren is about the transition from being stationary to being in motion. It is a dynamic verb that breathes life into stories about travel and daily logistics. By mastering this word, you can accurately describe the beginning of any journey taken on wheels or tracks.

Using losfahren correctly requires an understanding of German sentence structure, particularly the behavior of separable verbs. Because the prefix los- is separable, it detaches from the main verb fahren in many contexts and moves to the end of the clause. This creates a 'bracket' around the other information in the sentence. For example, in the sentence 'Ich fahre um acht Uhr los,' the verb parts 'fahre' and 'los' surround the time information.

Present Tense: In the present tense, you conjugate 'fahren' according to the subject and place 'los' at the very end. 'Er fährt mit dem Fahrrad los.' Note the stem change in the second and third person singular (du fährst, er fährt).

Wann fährst du endlich los?

When using modal verbs like müssen (must), wollen (want), or können (can), the verb losfahren remains intact at the end of the sentence in its infinitive form. This is often easier for English speakers. 'Wir müssen jetzt losfahren' translates directly to 'We must set off now.' Here, the prefix does not separate because the modal verb takes the second position and pushes the full infinitive to the end.

The Perfekt Tense: To talk about the past, you use the auxiliary verb sein and the past participle losgefahren. For example: 'Sie sind schon losgefahren.' The '-ge-' part of the participle is placed between the prefix and the root verb.

Bist du heute Morgen pünktlich losgefahren?

Imperatives are also common with this verb, especially when you are in a hurry. To tell someone to start driving, you would say 'Fahr los!' (singular informal) or 'Fahrt los!' (plural informal). In a formal setting, it would be 'Fahren Sie bitte los!'. These commands are useful in traffic or when coordinating group travel. The prefix los remains at the end, emphasizing the action of starting.

With Destinations: While losfahren focuses on the start, you can still mention the destination using 'nach' or 'zu'. 'Wir fahren nach Berlin los' is less common than 'Wir fahren in Richtung Berlin los' (We are setting off in the direction of Berlin).

Wenn die Ampel grün wird, fahren alle Autos gleichzeitig los.

Finally, consider the nuances of negation. 'Ich fahre noch nicht los' means 'I am not setting off yet.' This is a common way to indicate that you are still preparing or waiting for something. By practicing these different structures, you will become comfortable with the rhythmic 'splitting' of the verb that is so characteristic of the German language.

You will encounter losfahren in a variety of everyday settings in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. One of the most common places is in the car with friends or family. Before a journey, the question 'Können wir losfahren?' is almost inevitable. It serves as a final check to ensure everyone has their seatbelt on and all luggage is stored. You'll hear it in parking lots, driveways, and on the side of the road.

In Traffic Reports: Radio traffic announcements often use this verb to describe the movement of traffic after a jam has cleared. 'Der Stau löst sich auf, und die Fahrzeuge fahren langsam wieder los.' This provides a vivid image of cars starting to move again after being stuck.

Wir sind gestern erst sehr spät losgefahren.

At train stations and bus stops, while the official announcements might use 'abfahren', passengers talking to each other will frequently use losfahren. If you are standing on a platform and the train starts to move, you might say to your companion, 'Schau, der Zug fährt schon los!' This highlights the immediate observation of the train beginning its journey. It is a more informal and observational way of speaking compared to the technical 'abfahren'.

On the Phone: This verb is extremely common in short phone calls or text messages. 'Ich fahre jetzt los, bis gleich!' is a standard way to tell someone you are leaving and will see them soon. It informs the other person to expect you in a certain timeframe.

Warte auf mich, ich fahre in fünf Minuten los.

In professional contexts, such as logistics or delivery services, dispatchers might use losfahren to track the movement of their fleet. 'Wann ist der LKW losgefahren?' (When did the truck set off?). It is a practical, action-oriented word that fits perfectly into the world of transportation and logistics. Even in cycling groups, you'll hear the leader shout 'Wir fahren los!', signaling the start of the ride for the whole group.

GPS and Navigation: Navigation systems might not use the word as much as a human would, but a passenger looking at a phone might say, 'Laut Google Maps sollten wir jetzt losfahren, um den Stau zu vermeiden.'

Alle fahren gleichzeitig los, das ist ein Chaos!

Whether you are listening to a podcast about travel, watching a German TV show, or simply walking down a busy street in Munich, losfahren will be one of those high-frequency verbs that anchors your understanding of movement and departure in the German-speaking world.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with losfahren is using the wrong auxiliary verb in the Perfekt tense. Because English uses 'have' for almost all past tense constructions ('I have driven'), learners often say 'Ich habe losgefahren.' However, in German, verbs of movement that indicate a change of place use sein. Therefore, the correct form is always Ich bin losgefahren.

The Separable Prefix Slip-up: Another common error is forgetting to move the 'los' to the end of the sentence. A learner might say 'Ich losfahre jetzt,' which is incorrect. In a main clause, the conjugated part of the verb must be in the second position, and the prefix must go to the very end. Correct: 'Ich fahre jetzt los.'

Falsch: Ich habe um acht Uhr losgefahren.
Richtig: Ich bin um acht Uhr losgefahren.

Confusing losfahren with abfahren is also common. While they both mean 'to depart', abfahren is typically used for scheduled departures like trains or buses leaving a station. Losfahren is more general and personal. If you are leaving your house in your car, losfahren is the better choice. Using abfahren for a private car journey can sound overly formal or technical, as if you are a train following a strict timetable.

Mode of Transport: Learners sometimes use losfahren when they are walking. This is a mistake. If you are on foot, the correct verb is losgehen. Using losfahren implies you are suddenly on wheels. Imagine telling someone you are 'driving off' when you are actually just walking out the door—it sounds quite strange!

Falsch: Wir losfahren morgen früh.
Richtig: Wir fahren morgen früh los.

Spelling can also be a hurdle. Remember that 'fahren' has an 'h' that is silent but indicates a long 'a' sound. Some learners forget the 'h' or forget the umlaut in the second and third person singular ('du fährst', 'er fährt'). These small spelling and conjugation details are essential for writing and speaking correctly at the A2 level and beyond.

Subordinate Clauses: In sentences with 'weil' or 'dass', learners often still separate the verb. '...weil ich fahre los' is wrong. It must be '...weil ich losfahre.' The prefix only separates in main clauses where the verb is in the second position.

Ich sage dir Bescheid, wenn wir losfahren.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls—auxiliary verbs, prefix placement, mode of transport, and conjugation—you can avoid the most frequent errors and communicate your travel plans clearly and accurately.

To truly master the concept of departing in German, it is helpful to compare losfahren with its synonyms and related verbs. While they all deal with leaving, the nuances matter. The most direct comparison is with abfahren and wegfahren.

losfahren vs. abfahren: losfahren: Focuses on the start of the movement, often personal or informal.
abfahren: More formal, used for scheduled departures (trains, buses) or specifically leaving a place like a station.

Der Zug fährt um 10 Uhr ab, also müssen wir jetzt losfahren.

Then there is wegfahren. While losfahren emphasizes the beginning of the drive, wegfahren emphasizes the absence from the starting point. If you say 'Ich fahre weg,' it often means you are going away for a while, perhaps on a trip or vacation. 'Ich fahre los' just means you are starting the car right now.

losfahren vs. losgehen: losfahren: By vehicle (car, bike, train).
losgehen: On foot (walking). This is the most important distinction to maintain for basic accuracy.

Wir brechen morgen in aller Frühe auf.

Another related verb is starten. In modern German, starten is frequently used for cars (starting the engine) or for the beginning of races and flights. While you can say 'Das Auto startet,' you would usually say 'Ich fahre los' to describe the actual departure. In aviation, 'starten' is the standard word for 'to take off'.

Summary of Alternatives

losfahren: General start of a vehicle journey.
abfahren: Scheduled departure (official).
wegfahren: Going away (focus on leaving).
aufbrechen: Setting out (often for a trek or trip).
losgehen: Starting to walk.

Es ist Zeit, loszufahren, wir wollen nicht im Stau stehen.

By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the word that best fits the context of your sentence. Whether you want to sound casual, formal, or precise about your mode of transport, having these alternatives in your vocabulary toolkit will make your German much more nuanced and expressive.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Wir werden umgehend mit dem Dienstwagen losfahren."

Neutral

"Wann wollen wir morgen losfahren?"

Informal

"Komm, wir fahren jetzt los!"

Child friendly

"Gleich fährt unser Auto los, brumm brumm!"

Slang

"Lass mal endlich losdüsen!"

Fun Fact

The prefix 'los-' is related to the English word 'loose'. In German, it often gives verbs an 'inception' meaning—the start of something breaking free.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈloːsˌfaːʁən/

US /ˈloʊsˌfɑːrən/

Primary stress is on the prefix 'los'.

Rhymes With

abfahren mitfahren nachfahren vorfahren wegfahren erfahren gefahren bewahren

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'los' like the English 'loss' with a short vowel.
Forgetting the long 'a' in 'fahren'.
Pronouncing the 'h' in 'fahren' (it is silent).
Stressing the second syllable instead of the first.
Swallowing the '-en' ending too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, but remember to look for the 'los' at the end.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct conjugation and placement of the separable prefix.

Speaking 3/5

Requires remembering the 'sein' auxiliary in the past tense.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, but the prefix can be far from the verb.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

fahren los das Auto wann jetzt

Learn Next

abfahren ankommen aussteigen einsteigen umsteigen

Advanced

aufbrechen entfliehen fortbewegen beschleunigen verzögern

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs (Trennbare Verben)

Ich fahre los. (The prefix 'los' moves to the end).

Verbs of Motion with 'sein'

Ich bin losgefahren. (Movement from A to B uses 'sein').

Vowel Change in Present Tense

Du fährst los. (a -> ä for 2nd/3rd person singular).

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

...weil ich jetzt losfahre. (Verb parts stay together at the end).

Infinitiv mit 'zu'

Es ist Zeit, loszufahren. ('zu' goes between prefix and verb).

Examples by Level

Ich fahre jetzt los.

I am driving off now.

Simple present tense, separable prefix 'los' at the end.

Wann fährst du los?

When are you setting off?

Question form with 'du' (stem change: fährst).

Der Bus fährt los.

The bus is starting to drive.

Third person singular (stem change: fährt).

Wir fahren um acht Uhr los.

We are setting off at eight o'clock.

Time expression placed between the verb and the prefix.

Fährst du mit dem Auto los?

Are you setting off by car?

Yes/No question starting with the conjugated verb.

Sie fahren zusammen los.

They are setting off together.

Plural subject 'sie' (they).

Ich fahre gleich los.

I am setting off in a moment.

Adverb 'gleich' indicates the near future.

Fahr jetzt los!

Drive off now!

Imperative (command) singular informal.

Wir sind pünktlich losgefahren.

We set off on time.

Perfekt tense with 'sein' and past participle 'losgefahren'.

Bist du schon losgefahren?

Have you already set off?

Perfekt question with 'sein'.

Ich wollte früher losfahren.

I wanted to set off earlier.

Modal verb 'wollte' with the infinitive at the end.

Sie müssen sofort losfahren.

They must set off immediately.

Modal verb 'müssen' with the infinitive.

Warum seid ihr so spät losgefahren?

Why did you (plural) set off so late?

Perfekt with 'ihr' and the question word 'warum'.

Der Zug ist gerade losgefahren.

The train just set off.

Perfekt tense describing a completed action.

Können wir bitte losfahren?

Can we please set off?

Polite request with modal verb 'können'.

Ich bin ohne mein Handy losgefahren.

I set off without my mobile phone.

Prepositional phrase 'ohne mein Handy' in the middle.

Ich rufe dich an, wenn wir losfahren.

I will call you when we set off.

Subordinate clause with 'wenn'; prefix stays attached.

Bevor wir losfahren, müssen wir tanken.

Before we set off, we must refuel.

Subordinate clause with 'bevor'.

Er sagte, dass sie erst morgen losfahren.

He said that they aren't setting off until tomorrow.

Indirect speech with 'dass' clause.

Obwohl es regnete, sind wir losgefahren.

Although it was raining, we set off.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Wir sind losgefahren, ohne uns zu verabschieden.

We set off without saying goodbye.

Infinitivsatz with 'ohne... zu'.

Sobald das Wetter besser wird, fahren wir los.

As soon as the weather gets better, we will set off.

Temporal clause with 'sobald'.

Es ist wichtig, rechtzeitig loszufahren.

It is important to set off in time.

Infinitiv mit 'zu'; 'zu' is placed between 'los' and 'fahren'.

Ich weiß nicht, wann der Bus losfährt.

I don't know when the bus sets off.

Indirect question with 'wann'.

Wären wir früher losgefahren, hätten wir den Stau vermieden.

If we had set off earlier, we would have avoided the traffic jam.

Konjunktiv II (Past Unreal Conditional).

Nachdem wir endlich losgefahren waren, fühlten wir uns besser.

After we had finally set off, we felt better.

Plusquamperfekt with 'nachdem'.

Anstatt sofort loszufahren, prüfte er noch den Reifendruck.

Instead of setting off immediately, he checked the tire pressure.

Infinitivsatz with 'anstatt... zu'.

Es wurde beschlossen, dass wir im Morgengrauen losfahren.

It was decided that we would set off at dawn.

Passive construction followed by a 'dass' clause.

Je früher wir losfahren, desto eher kommen wir an.

The earlier we set off, the sooner we will arrive.

Comparative structure 'je... desto'.

Trotz der Panne konnten wir schließlich losfahren.

Despite the breakdown, we were finally able to set off.

Preposition 'trotz' followed by a modal verb construction.

Sie fahre gerade los, behauptete sie am Telefon.

She was just setting off, she claimed on the phone.

Konjunktiv I (Reported Speech).

Das rechtzeitige Losfahren ist entscheidend für den Erfolg.

Setting off on time is crucial for success.

Nominalized verb 'das Losfahren'.

In dem Moment, als die Motoren aufheulten, fuhren alle gleichzeitig los.

The moment the engines roared, everyone set off at the same time.

Präteritum (narrative past) of 'losfahren'.

Es empfiehlt sich, antizyklisch loszufahren, um die Reisewellen zu umgehen.

It is recommended to set off at off-peak times to avoid the travel surges.

Formal recommendation with 'es empfiehlt sich'.

Hätten Sie nicht einfach losfahren dürfen, ohne die Ladung zu sichern?

Should you not have been forbidden from just driving off without securing the load?

Modal verb in Konjunktiv II with a double infinitive structure.

Das Losfahren bei extremen Minusgraden erfordert eine gewisse Vorwärmzeit.

Setting off in extreme sub-zero temperatures requires a certain warm-up time.

Nominalized infinitive as a subject.

Man sah die Kolonne langsam losfahren und im Nebel verschwinden.

One saw the convoy slowly setting off and disappearing into the fog.

A.c.I. (Accusativus cum Infinitivo) construction with 'sehen'.

Kaum waren wir losgefahren, bemerkten wir den platten Reifen.

Hardly had we set off when we noticed the flat tire.

Inversion with 'kaum' for dramatic effect.

Das Unternehmen ordnete an, dass die LKW zeitversetzt losfahren sollten.

The company ordered that the trucks should set off at staggered times.

Subordinate clause with modal verb 'sollen' in Präteritum.

Sollten wir nicht lieber jetzt losfahren, bevor die Passstraße gesperrt wird?

Shouldn't we rather set off now before the mountain pass is closed?

Hypothetical question with 'sollten'.

Das abrupte Losfahren verursachte ein unangenehmes Rucken im gesamten Waggon.

The abrupt departure caused an unpleasant jolt throughout the entire carriage.

Adjective 'abrupt' modifying the nominalized verb.

Ungeachtet der Warnungen der Mechaniker fuhr der Pilot dennoch los.

Regardless of the mechanics' warnings, the pilot set off nonetheless.

Preposition 'ungeachtet' with genitive case.

Es ist eine Kunst für sich, mit einem solch schweren Gespann sanft loszufahren.

It is an art in itself to set off smoothly with such a heavy trailer.

Complex infinitival clause.

Das Losfahren gleicht hier einem Sprung ins kalte Wasser, da die Route völlig unbekannt ist.

Setting off here is like a leap into cold water, as the route is completely unknown.

Metaphorical comparison using the nominalized verb.

Man könnte fast meinen, er sei nur deshalb so überhastet losgefahren, um der Konfrontation zu entgehen.

One could almost think he only set off so overhastily to avoid the confrontation.

Konjunktiv I in a comparative 'als ob' style context.

Die Automatik sorgt dafür, dass das Fahrzeug beim Anfahren am Berg nicht zurückrollt, bevor man losfährt.

The automatic system ensures that the vehicle does not roll back when starting on a hill before one sets off.

Technical description of vehicle mechanics.

Bevor wir endgültig losfahren, bedarf es noch einer letzten Inspektion der Ausrüstung.

Before we finally set off, a final inspection of the equipment is required.

Formal verb 'bedürfen' with genitive.

Das Signal zum Losfahren wurde durch eine grüne Leuchtrakete gegeben.

The signal to set off was given by a green flare.

Passive voice with a prepositional phrase containing the nominalized verb.

Common Collocations

pünktlich losfahren

sofort losfahren

mit dem Auto losfahren

alleine losfahren

früh losfahren

endlich losfahren

langsam losfahren

ohne Ziel losfahren

in Richtung... losfahren

gemeinsam losfahren

Common Phrases

Wann fahren wir los?

— A standard question to ask about the departure time.

Wann fahren wir eigentlich los?

Ich fahre jetzt los.

— A common way to announce you are leaving right now.

Bis gleich, ich fahre jetzt los.

Lass uns losfahren!

— A suggestion to start the journey.

Alle sind da, lass uns losfahren!

Wir sind gerade erst losgefahren.

— Used when the journey has only just begun.

Wir sind gerade erst losgefahren, es dauert noch.

Du kannst schon mal losfahren.

— Telling someone they can start without you.

Ich komme nach, du kannst schon mal losfahren.

Warte, bis ich losfahre.

— Asking someone to wait for your departure.

Warte kurz, bis ich losfahre.

Wir müssen früher losfahren.

— Expressing the need to depart at an earlier time.

Wegen des Staus müssen wir früher losfahren.

Einfach losfahren.

— To just start driving without too much thought.

Nicht zu viel planen, einfach losfahren.

Nicht so schnell losfahren!

— A warning not to start driving too abruptly.

Vorsicht, nicht so schnell losfahren!

Sind alle bereit zum Losfahren?

— Checking if everyone is ready to depart.

Sind alle angeschnallt und bereit zum Losfahren?

Often Confused With

losfahren vs abfahren

Abfahren is usually for scheduled public transport, while losfahren is for general or personal use.

losfahren vs wegfahren

Wegfahren emphasizes being gone or going on a trip, whereas losfahren emphasizes the start of the drive.

losfahren vs losgehen

Losgehen is for walking on foot, while losfahren is strictly for vehicles.

Idioms & Expressions

"Hals über Kopf losfahren"

— To set off in a great hurry or without thinking.

Er ist Hals über Kopf losgefahren.

informal

"Mit quietschenden Reifen losfahren"

— To drive off with tires screeching (very fast).

Der Dieb ist mit quietschenden Reifen losgefahren.

neutral

"Blind losfahren"

— To set off without a plan or without knowing the way.

Wir sind einfach blind losgefahren.

informal

"Auf gut Glück losfahren"

— To set off hoping for the best.

Wir sind auf gut Glück losgefahren.

neutral

"In die falsche Richtung losfahren"

— To start off in the wrong direction (literal or figurative).

Ich bin total in die falsche Richtung losgefahren.

neutral

"Gegen die Zeit losfahren"

— To set off in a race against time.

Wir sind gegen die Zeit losgefahren.

neutral

"Mit Vollgas losfahren"

— To set off with full throttle.

Er ist mit Vollgas losgefahren.

neutral

"Ohne Abschied losfahren"

— To leave without saying goodbye.

Sie ist einfach ohne Abschied losgefahren.

neutral

"Mitten in der Nacht losfahren"

— To set off in the middle of the night.

Wir sind mitten in der Nacht losgefahren.

neutral

"Bei Rot losfahren"

— To drive off when the light is still red (illegal).

Er ist aus Versehen bei Rot losgefahren.

neutral

Easily Confused

losfahren vs anfahren

Both start with 'fahren' and have prefixes.

Anfahren means to start moving (like at a green light) or to hit something with a car. Losfahren is more about starting a journey.

Das Auto fährt sanft an.

losfahren vs mitfahren

Common verb of movement.

Mitfahren means to ride along with someone else. Losfahren is the act of starting the journey.

Kann ich bei dir mitfahren?

losfahren vs vorfahren

Similar prefixes.

Vorfahren means to pull up in front of something or to drive ahead of someone.

Ein Taxi fährt vor das Hotel.

losfahren vs weiterfahren

Describes movement.

Weiterfahren means to continue driving after a stop. Losfahren is the very first start.

Nach der Pause fahren wir weiter.

losfahren vs umfahren

Prefix confusion.

Umfahren can mean to drive around something or to knock something over. It has nothing to do with starting.

Wir umfahren den Stau.

Sentence Patterns

Ich fahre um [Zeit] los.

Ich fahre um 9 Uhr los.

Wir sind [Adverb] losgefahren.

Wir sind gestern früh losgefahren.

Wann fährst du [Ziel] los?

Wann fährst du nach Hause los?

Ich rufe an, wenn ich losfahre.

Es ist Zeit, loszufahren.

Es ist Zeit, endlich loszufahren.

Wären wir doch früher losgefahren!

Das Losfahren bei [Bedingung] ist schwer.

Das Losfahren bei Glatteis ist schwer.

Kaum losgefahren, [Hauptsatz].

Kaum losgefahren, bemerkte er den Fehler.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in everyday German.

Common Mistakes

Ich habe losgefahren. → Ich bin losgefahren.
Verbs of motion use 'sein' as the auxiliary in the Perfekt tense.
Ich losfahre jetzt. → Ich fahre jetzt los.
The prefix 'los' must move to the end of the sentence in a main clause.
Ich fahre in die Küche los. → Ich gehe in die Küche.
You cannot 'losfahren' to a place inside a house unless you are driving a car inside!
Wann fahrst du los? → Wann fährst du los?
The verb 'fahren' requires an umlaut in the second person singular.
Wir sind gelosfahren. → Wir sind losgefahren.
In separable verbs, the '-ge-' goes between the prefix and the root.

Tips

Separable Prefix Rule

Always remember the 'sentence bracket'. In a main clause, the 'los' goes to the very end. 'Ich fahre [viele Wörter hier] los.'

Vehicle Only

Only use this verb if you are on wheels or tracks. If you are on foot, use 'losgehen'. This is a key distinction for A2 learners.

Auxiliary 'Sein'

Never use 'haben' for the past tense of 'losfahren'. Movement from one point to another always requires 'sein'. 'Ich bin losgefahren' is correct.

Long Vowels

The 'o' in 'los' and the 'a' in 'fahren' are both long. Practice saying 'loooos-faaaahren' to get the rhythm right.

Texting Shortcut

When texting a friend that you are on your way, just write 'Fahre jetzt los!'. It is short, clear, and very common.

Punctuality

In Germany, if you say you will 'losfahren' at 8:00, people expect you to be in the car and moving at 8:00 sharp.

The Silent H

Don't forget the 'h' in 'fahren'. You don't hear it, but it's there to show that the 'a' is long.

Vowel Change

Remember: du fährst, er fährt. The umlaut is only for these two forms in the present tense.

Use with Modals

Using 'losfahren' with modal verbs (müssen, wollen) is easier because the verb doesn't split. 'Wir wollen losfahren.'

Observational Use

Use 'losfahren' when you see a vehicle starting to move. 'Schau, der Zug fährt los!' feels very natural and immediate.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'LOS' as 'Let's Onward Start'. When you 'losfahren', you start your journey on wheels.

Visual Association

Imagine a race car at the starting line. When the light turns green, it 'fährst los'.

Word Web

Auto Reise Start Weg Fahrer Benzin Stau Urlaub

Challenge

Try to use 'losfahren' in three different tenses today: 'Ich fahre los', 'Ich bin losgefahren', and 'Ich muss losfahren'.

Word Origin

The word is a combination of the prefix 'los' and the verb 'fahren'. 'Los' comes from the Middle High German 'los', meaning free or loose. 'Fahren' comes from the Old High German 'faran', meaning to go or travel.

Original meaning: To travel away or to set oneself in motion.

Germanic.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; this is a neutral verb of movement.

In English, we say 'set off' or 'head out'. 'Losfahren' is specifically for vehicles, whereas 'head out' can be for walking too.

German road trip movies like '25 km/h' often feature the characters deciding to 'losfahren'. Kraftwerk's 'Autobahn' captures the spirit of 'losfahren' on the highway. The phrase 'Los geht's!' is a common cousin to 'Losfahren' used to start any activity.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Going to work

Ich fahre um 7 Uhr los.
Wann fährst du zur Arbeit los?
Ich bin heute zu spät losgefahren.
Muss ich jetzt losfahren?

Vacation planning

Wir fahren am Samstag los.
Wollen wir nachts losfahren?
Wir sind pünktlich losgefahren.
Wann fahrt ihr in den Urlaub los?

Public transport

Der Bus fährt gleich los.
Der Zug ist schon losgefahren.
Fährt die S-Bahn jetzt los?
Wann fährt die Fähre los?

Traffic and navigation

Die Autos fahren langsam los.
Wir können wegen des Staus nicht losfahren.
Fahr vorsichtig los!
Alle sind gleichzeitig losgefahren.

Meeting friends

Ich fahre jetzt von zu Hause los.
Schreib mir, wenn du losfährst.
Bist du schon losgefahren?
Ich fahre in 10 Minuten los.

Conversation Starters

"Wann fährst du normalerweise morgens zur Arbeit los?"

"Bist du schon mal mitten in der Nacht für einen Urlaub losgefahren?"

"Wann müssen wir heute Abend losfahren, um pünktlich zu sein?"

"Fährst du lieber sofort los oder wartest du lieber auf den Feierabendverkehr?"

"Was war das weiteste Ziel, zu dem du jemals losgefahren bist?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe einen Morgen, an dem du viel zu spät losgefahren bist. Was ist passiert?

Planst du deine Reisen gerne im Detail, bevor du losfährst, oder fährst du einfach spontan los?

Wie fühlst du dich normalerweise in dem Moment, in dem du in den Urlaub losfährst?

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du ohne dein Handy losgefahren bist.

Warum ist es in deiner Kultur wichtig (oder nicht wichtig), pünktlich loszufahren?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'losfahren' is always a separable verb. This means the prefix 'los' will move to the end of the sentence in present and simple past main clauses. For example: 'Ich fahre morgen los.' It only stays together in subordinate clauses or when used with a modal verb.

You always use 'sein'. In German, verbs that indicate a change of location or a change of state use 'sein' in the Perfekt tense. Since 'losfahren' means moving from one place to start a journey, it fits this rule perfectly. Example: 'Ich bin losgefahren.'

'Abfahren' is typically used for official schedules, like a train leaving a station at a specific time. 'Losfahren' is more common for private cars or general statements about starting to drive. You would say 'Mein Zug fährt um 9 Uhr ab,' but 'Ich fahre jetzt mit dem Auto los.'

No, you should not. 'Fahren' specifically refers to travel by vehicle. If you are starting to walk, you must use 'losgehen'. Using 'losfahren' while walking would imply you are suddenly on a bicycle or in a car.

The verb 'fahren' has a vowel change. It is: ich fahre los, du fährst los, er/sie/es fährt los, wir fahren los, ihr fahrt los, sie/Sie fahren los. Notice the umlaut (ä) in the 'du' and 'er/sie/es' forms.

You can say 'bereit zum Losfahren'. Here, 'Losfahren' is treated as a noun (nominalized infinitive), which is why it is capitalized and follows the preposition 'zum' (zu + dem).

For separable verbs like 'losfahren', the 'ge-' is placed between the prefix and the base verb. So it becomes 'los-ge-fahren'. Example: 'Wir sind schon losgefahren.'

It is very rare because 'losfahren' is an intransitive verb (it doesn't have a direct object). However, you might see it in impersonal passive constructions in very formal or literary German, though it is not common in daily speech.

It is grammatically correct, but Germans more often say 'Ich fahre nach Berlin' or 'Ich fahre in Richtung Berlin los.' 'Losfahren' focuses so much on the start that adding the destination can sometimes feel slightly redundant, but it is not wrong.

The imperative forms are: 'Fahr los!' (to one person, informal), 'Fahrt los!' (to multiple people, informal), and 'Fahren Sie los!' (formal). These are very common when you want someone to start driving.