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German Phrase

Bei kurzen Strecken geht man am besten zu Fuß.

/baɪ ˈkʁyːzən ˈʃtʁeːkən ɡeːt man am ˈbɛstən tsuː fuːs/
Meaning"For short distances, one should go on foot."
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Meaning

The sentence advises that for short distances, walking is the most suitable mode of transport. It is a general recommendation rather than a personal suggestion, using the impersonal 'man'.

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When to use

Use this phrase when giving travel or mobility advice, for example when a friend asks how to get somewhere nearby, or when discussing sustainable transport options in a conversation about city life.

✦Grammar Breakdown

BeikurzenStreckengehtmanambestenzuFuß

1

Bei + Dativ

The preposition 'bei' governs the dative case; here it introduces the condition 'kurzen Strecken'.

2

Adjective Declension (Dativ Plural)

'kurzen' is the weak dative plural form of the adjective 'kurz' preceding the noun 'Strecken'.

3

Noun in Dativ Plural

'Strecken' is the plural of 'Strecke' and appears in the dative after 'bei'.

4

Man (impersonal pronoun)

'man' is an indefinite pronoun meaning 'one' or 'people' and triggers a third‑person singular verb.

5

Superlative Adverb 'am besten'

'am besten' is the superlative form of 'gut' used adverbially to express the highest degree.

6

Idiomatic Phrase 'zu Fuß'

'zu Fuß' literally means 'by foot' and is the standard way to say 'on foot' in German.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wie komme ich am schnellsten zum Marktplatz?

How do I get to the market square the fastest?

Bei kurzen Strecken geht man am besten zu Fuß.

For short distances, walking is the best way.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Bei kurzen Strecken geht man am besten zu Fuss.

    The correct spelling uses the sharp s (ß) after a long vowel: 'Fuß'.

  • Bei kurzen Strecken geht man am besten zu Fuß gehen.

    While understandable, the idiomatic order is 'am besten zu Fuß' without the extra verb 'gehen'.

  • Bei kurze Strecken geht man am besten zu Fuß.

    After 'bei' you need the dative case, so the adjective must be 'kurzen' and the noun 'Strecken' plural.

↔Alternatives

  • Bei kurzen Wegen ist zu Fuß gehen am besten.

    For short routes, walking is best.

  • Kurzstrecken sollte man zu Fuß zurücklegen.

    Short distances should be covered on foot.

  • Für kurze Distanzen ist zu Fuß gehen am praktischsten.

    For short distances, walking is the most practical.

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Cultural Tip

In Germany, walking is not only seen as a healthy choice but also as an environmentally friendly one. Many cities have well‑maintained pedestrian zones and signage that encourage people to walk short distances instead of using a car or public transport. Using the phrase 'zu Fuß' sounds natural in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid overly literal translations like 'by foot' which sound awkward in German.