German Phrase
Biegen wir links oder rechts ab?
Meaning
The sentence asks for clarification about which way to turn – left or right. It is a neutral, everyday question used while navigating a route, whether on foot, by bike, or in a car.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are in the middle of a route and need to decide which direction to take. It works in casual conversation with friends, in a driving lesson, or when asking a local for directions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Biegenwirlinksoderrechtsab?
Separable verb (ab|biegen)
The verb 'abbiegen' splits in main clause: the stem 'biegen' appears before the subject, and the prefix 'ab' moves to the end of the clause.
Verb‑first yes/no question
In a yes/no question the finite verb comes first, followed by the subject ('wir').
Direction adverbs
'links' and 'rechts' are adverbs of direction and do not need a preposition when used with 'abbiegen'.
Conjunction 'oder'
'oder' connects two alternatives; the verb is not repeated after it.
🗨In Conversation
Biegen wir links oder rechts ab?
Do we turn left or right?
Wir biegen rechts ab, die Straße führt dann zum Bahnhof.
We turn right; the road then leads to the train station.
✕Common Mistakes
Biegen wir nach links oder nach rechts ab?
The preposition 'nach' is unnecessary with 'abbiegen'; it sounds redundant.
Biegen wir links oder rechts?
Leaving out the separable prefix 'ab' changes the meaning; you need 'ab' to indicate turning.
Wir biegen links oder rechts ab?
If you place the subject before the verb ('Wir biegen...'), the sentence becomes a statement, not a question.
↔Alternatives
Gehen wir nach links oder nach rechts?
Do we go left or right?
Sollten wir links oder rechts abbiegen?
Should we turn left or right?
Links oder rechts?
Left or right?
Cultural Tip
In German traffic rules, 'links' and 'rechts' are absolute directions, not relative to the speaker's body orientation. When you hear 'links abbiegen', think of the road turning to the left side of the map. Also, the separable prefix 'ab' is always placed at the end of the clause in statements and questions, but moves before the verb in the infinitive (z. B. 'abzubrechen').