German Phrase
Bieg an der Ampel links ab.
Meaning
This is a direct command telling someone to turn left at the traffic light. It is used when giving clear, concise navigation instructions, especially while driving or walking in a city.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to guide someone to a specific location and the turn happens right at a traffic light. It works well in both spoken directions and written signs.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BieganderAmpellinksab.
Separable verb (ab|biegen)
The verb 'abbiegen' splits in the imperative: the stem 'Bieg' comes first and the prefix 'ab' moves to the end.
Imperative form
For du‑commands, drop the -en ending of the infinitive and add no ending for the verb stem.
Preposition 'an' with dative
'An' takes the dative case when indicating location, so 'der Ampel' (feminine dative).
Direction adverb 'links'
'Links' specifies the side to turn to; it follows the location phrase.
🗨In Conversation
Wie komme ich zum Hauptbahnhof?
How do I get to the main train station?
Bieg an der Ampel links ab.
Turn left at the traffic light.
✕Common Mistakes
Biege an der Ampel links ab.
In the du‑imperative of 'abbiegen' the ending -e is dropped; use 'Bieg' not 'Biege'.
Bieg bei der Ampel links ab.
The correct preposition for location is 'an' with dative, not 'bei'.
Ab bieg an der Ampel links.
The prefix must stay at the end of the sentence in the imperative; placing it before the verb is wrong.
↔Alternatives
Fahre an der Ampel nach links.
Drive left at the traffic light.
Nimm die linke Abzweigung an der Ampel.
Take the left turn at the traffic light.
Drehe dich an der Ampel nach links.
Turn yourself left at the traffic light.
Cultural Tip
In Germany traffic lights are called 'Ampel' (short for 'Ampellicht'). When giving directions, Germans often use the imperative without a polite 'bitte' in fast‑moving contexts, but adding 'Bitte' makes it softer. Remember that the prefix of separable verbs moves to the end in the imperative, a pattern that trips many learners.