German Phrase
Schau mal im Gang 7 nach.
Meaning
This sentence is a casual command telling someone to look in hallway number 7. The speaker is asking the listener to check that specific corridor for something – perhaps a missing item, a sign, or a person. The use of 'mal' makes the request sound less demanding and more friendly.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal settings such as offices, schools, or apartments when you need a colleague or roommate to quickly verify something in a particular hallway. It works well when you’re giving a short, on‑the‑spot instruction rather than a formal request.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchaumalimGang7nach
Imperative with 'mal'
Adding 'mal' after an imperative (e.g., 'Schau mal') softens the command, making it sound more casual and friendly.
Separable verb 'nachschauen'
The verb 'nachschauen' splits in the imperative: the stem 'schau' comes first, and the prefix 'nach' moves to the end.
Preposition 'in' + dative
The preposition 'in' with a definite article contracts to 'im' (in dem), and it governs the dative case, hence 'im Gang'.
Numbers as nouns
When a number identifies a location (e.g., 'Gang 7'), it is treated like a noun and follows the noun without a preposition.
🗨In Conversation
Schau mal im Gang 7 nach, ob die neue Kaffeemaschine schon steht.
Take a look in hallway 7 to see if the new coffee machine is already there.
Klar, ich sehe gleich nach.
Sure, I’ll check right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau mal im Gang 7 nach im.
The prefix 'nach' belongs to the separable verb and must go to the end of the clause.
Schau mal nach dem Gang 7.
The preposition 'nach' is part of the verb, not a directional preposition; use 'im' (dative) for location.
Schau mal im Gang sieben nach.
When a number identifies a specific hallway, it stays as a numeral or is spoken as a cardinal number without a case ending.
Schau mal nach im Gang 7.
Word order for separable verbs in the imperative is stem‑first, prefix‑last.
↔Alternatives
Sieh im Gang 7 nach.
Look in hallway 7.
Wirf einen Blick in Gang 7.
Take a glance into hallway 7.
Könntest du im Gang 7 nachsehen?
Could you check hallway 7?
Cultural Tip
In German buildings, corridors are often numbered and signs are simple – 'Gang 1', 'Gang 2', etc. When giving directions, Germans prefer clear, concise language. Adding 'mal' to an imperative is common in everyday speech and signals a friendly tone, but avoid it in very formal contexts such as official instructions or written notices.