German Phrase
Fahr sicher an den Straßenrand. Mach die Warnblinker an. Ruf um Hilfe.
Meaning
The three sentences give clear, step‑by‑step instructions for a driver who has broken down or is in trouble on the road: first, drive safely to the side of the road; second, activate the hazard lights; third, call for assistance.
When to use
Use this set of commands when you need to guide someone in an emergency roadside situation – a breakdown, an accident, or any incident that requires the driver to stop safely and request help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FahrsicherandenStraßenrand.MachdieWarnblinkeran.RufumHilfe.
Imperativ (du‑Form)
For informal commands you drop the verb ending –en and add no ending for ‘du’; e.g., fahren → fahr, machen → mach, rufen → ruf.
Separable verb ‘anmachen’
The prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause in the imperative: Mach … an.
Prepositional phrase ‘an den Straßenrand’
‘an’ + accusative indicates movement towards a location; here it means ‘to the roadside.’
Fixed phrase ‘um Hilfe rufen’
The verb ‘rufen’ is combined with the preposition ‘um’ + noun to mean ‘to call for help.’
🗨In Conversation
Mein Auto hat plötzlich nicht mehr gestartet.
My car suddenly won't start.
Fahr sicher an den Straßenrand. Mach die Warnblinker an. Ruf um Hilfe.
Drive safely to the roadside. Turn on the hazard lights. Call for help.
✕Common Mistakes
Fahren Sie sicher an den Straßenrand.
The formal ‘Sie’ form sounds too polite for an urgent command; the app focuses on the informal imperative used in emergencies.
Mach die Warnlicht an.
The correct noun is ‘Warnblinker’; ‘Warnlicht’ is not used in German traffic language.
Ruf nach Hilfe.
‘Ruf nach Hilfe’ is a request for someone else to call; the correct phrase for the driver to act is ‘Ruf um Hilfe.’
↔Alternatives
Fahr vorsichtig an den Straßenrand.
Drive carefully to the roadside.
Schalte die Warnblinkanlage ein.
Switch on the hazard light system.
Bitte ruf Hilfe.
Please call for help.
Cultural Tip
In Germany it is mandatory to use the hazard lights (Warnblinker) whenever a vehicle is stopped on a public road and cannot move. After activating them you should call the emergency number 112, not 911. Also, pulling completely onto the shoulder (Straßenrand) is expected, even if the shoulder is narrow, to keep traffic flowing safely.