German Phrase
Folge den Schildern, um dein Gepäck abzuholen.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to follow the signs in order to collect or pick up their luggage. It combines a directional instruction with a clear purpose.
When to use
Use this phrase at airports, train stations, or any travel hub where signs guide passengers to baggage claim areas. It’s helpful when you’re giving directions to a fellow traveler or a hotel staff member.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FolgedenSchildern,umdeinGepäckabzuholen.
Verb folgen + Dativ
The verb 'folgen' always takes a dative object; here 'den Schildern' is dative plural.
Purpose clause 'um … zu'
The construction 'um … zu' introduces a purpose clause; the infinitive verb follows 'zu'.
Infinitive with separable prefix
In the infinitive form, the separable prefix 'ab-' moves to the end: 'abzuholen'.
Possessive pronoun declension
'dein' is the possessive pronoun for 'Gepäck' (neuter accusative).
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, wo kann ich mein Gepäck abholen?
Excuse me, where can I pick up my luggage?
Folge den Schildern, um dein Gepäck abzuholen.
Follow the signs to pick up your luggage.
✕Common Mistakes
Folgen den Schildern, um dein Gepäck abzuholen.
The verb 'folgen' requires the dative case; you need the infinitive 'Folge' for a command.
Folge den Schildern, um dein Gepäck zu holen.
When using a separable verb like 'abholen', the prefix must stay attached in the infinitive: 'abzuholen'.
um deine Gepäck abzuholen.
Gepäck is neuter, so the correct possessive is 'dein', not 'deine'.
↔Alternatives
Gehe den Schildern nach, um dein Gepäck zu holen.
Go after the signs to get your luggage.
Folge den Hinweisschildern, damit du dein Gepäck bekommst.
Follow the informational signs so you can get your luggage.
Sieh den Schildern zu, um dein Gepäck abzuholen.
Watch the signs to collect your luggage.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking airports, signs are usually color‑coded and use clear pictograms (e.g., a suitcase icon for baggage claim). Saying 'Gepäckausgabe' or 'Gepäckband' is also common, so you might hear 'Folge den Schildern zur Gepäckausgabe.'