German Phrase
Ruf den Pannendienst an. Geh zu Fuß zur nächsten Tankstelle, wenn es sicher ist.
Meaning
The first sentence tells someone to call roadside assistance. The second gives a safety‑first instruction: walk to the nearest gas station on foot, but only if the situation is safe. Together they form a concise emergency plan for a car breakdown.
When to use
Use this phrase when a vehicle has broken down in a remote area, the driver needs help, and the surrounding conditions (traffic, weather, personal safety) allow a short walk to the nearest fuel station.
✦Grammar Breakdown
RufdenPannendienstanGehzuFußzurnächstenTankstellewennessicherist
Imperativ (du) – trennbares Verb
‘Ruf … an’ is the du‑imperative of the separable verb *anrufen*. The prefix *an* moves to the end of the clause.
zu Fuß – adverbial phrase
‘zu Fuß’ means ‘on foot’ and functions as an adverbial of manner; it does not need a verb after it.
zur = zu der
‘zur’ is the contraction of the preposition *zu* + dative feminine article *der* (zu der).
Adjective declension with definite article
‘nächsten’ is the dative feminine singular form of *nächste* because it follows the dative preposition *zu*.
wenn‑Satz (conditional)
The subordinate clause ‘wenn es sicher ist’ uses *wenn* to introduce a condition; the verb stays in the final position.
🗨In Conversation
Ruf den Pannendienst an.
Call the roadside assistance.
Okay, ich gehe zu Fuß zur nächsten Tankstelle, wenn es sicher ist.
Okay, I’ll walk to the nearest gas station on foot, if it’s safe.
✕Common Mistakes
Ruf den Pannendienst.
The verb *anrufen* is separable; the prefix *an* must be placed at the end of the clause.
Geh zu Fuß gehen zur nächsten Tankstelle.
When *zu Fuß* is used as an adverbial, the verb *gehen* is not repeated; you say ‘Geh zu Fuß …’.
wenn sicher ist es.
In conditional instructions, *falls* can be used, but *wenn* is more natural here; also keep the verb at the end.
↔Alternatives
Ruf den Abschleppdienst an.
Call the towing service.
Gehe zu Fuß zur nächsten Tankstelle, falls es sicher ist.
Walk on foot to the nearest gas station, provided it is safe.
Ruf den Pannendienst, und geh dann zu Fuß zur nächsten Tankstelle, wenn es sicher ist.
Call the roadside assistance, and then walk to the nearest gas station if it’s safe.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, *Pannendienst* (roadside assistance) is often provided by clubs like ADAC. It’s common to call them before attempting any self‑help, especially on the Autobahn where safety rules are strict. Walking to a *Tankstelle* (gas station) is only advisable if the area is well‑lit and traffic is light; otherwise, wait for professional help.