German Phrase
Bieg an der nächsten Ecke links ab.
Meaning
This is a direct instruction telling someone to turn left at the next corner. It is used in everyday navigation, whether on foot, by bike, or in a car.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving informal directions to a friend, a colleague, or anyone you would address with 'du'. It works well in city streets, small towns, or any place where a clear corner can be identified.
✦Grammar Breakdown
BiegandernächstenEckelinksab
Separable verb (abbiegen)
The verb 'abbiegen' splits in main clauses: the prefix 'ab' moves to the end. In the imperative, the base verb comes first and the prefix follows the object.
Imperative form
For the informal 'du' you drop the '-en' ending of the infinitive: 'abbiegen' → 'Bieg … ab'. Adding an optional '-e' (Biege) is also correct but less common in spoken German.
Preposition 'an' + dative
When indicating a location you use 'an' with the dative case. 'Ecke' is feminine, so the article becomes 'der' and the adjective gets the dative ending '-en'.
Adverb of direction
'links' is placed after the location phrase to specify the direction of the turn.
🗨In Conversation
Bieg an der nächsten Ecke links ab.
Turn left at the next corner.
Alles klar, danke!
Got it, thanks!
✕Common Mistakes
Biege an der nächste Ecke links ab.
The adjective must be in dative feminine: 'nächsten', not nominative 'nächste'.
Bieg an der nächsten Ecke nach links ab.
With 'abbiegen' you use the preposition 'an' for the location, not 'nach'.
Bieg an der nächsten Ecke links.
The separable prefix 'ab' cannot be omitted; without it the sentence means 'bend at the next corner' but loses the direction.
↔Alternatives
Biegen Sie an der nächsten Ecke links ab.
Turn left at the next corner. (formal)
Nimm die nächste linke Ecke.
Take the next left turn.
Fahre an der nächsten Ecke nach links.
Drive left at the next corner.
Cultural Tip
In German traffic instructions the direction (links/rechts) usually follows the location phrase. Also, when you hear a native speaker give directions, they often keep the separable prefix 'ab' at the very end of the sentence, which can feel a bit odd to learners but is completely natural in German.