German Phrase
Folge einfach den Schildern.
Meaning
This sentence means ‘Just follow the signs.’ It is a concise, friendly instruction that tells someone to rely on posted signs to find their way.
When to use
Use it when giving directions in a public place – airports, train stations, museums, or city streets – especially when the route is clearly marked. It works well in informal conversation (du‑form).
✦Grammar Breakdown
FolgeeinfachdenSchildern
Imperative (du) of folgen
‘Folge’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘folgen’ (to follow). The verb always takes a dative object.
Dative plural article
‘den’ is the dative plural definite article; it signals that ‘Schildern’ is the object of ‘folgen’.
Adverb placement
‘einfach’ (simply/just) is an adverb and is placed directly after the verb in the imperative.
Dative plural noun
‘Schildern’ is the dative plural of ‘das Schild’ (sign).
🗨In Conversation
Wie finde ich den Ausgang?
How do I find the exit?
Folge einfach den Schildern.
Just follow the signs.
✕Common Mistakes
Folgen einfach den Schildern.
‘Folgen’ is the infinitive; the correct du‑imperative is ‘Folge’.
Folge einfach die Schilder.
‘Folgen’ requires the dative case, so the article must be ‘den’, not ‘die’.
Einfach folge den Schildern.
Adverbs normally follow the verb in the imperative; placing ‘einfach’ before the verb sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Folge den Schildern.
Follow the signs.
Folge einfach den Hinweisschildern.
Just follow the informational signs.
Gehe einfach den Schildern nach.
Just go after the signs.
Folgen Sie einfach den Schildern.
Just follow the signs. (formal)
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries signs are usually very clear and often include both text and pictograms. The informal imperative ‘Folge …’ is common among friends or when speaking to tourists, but in a formal setting (e.g., a hotel concierge) you would use the polite form ‘Folgen Sie …’. Also, remember that ‘folgen’ always takes the dative case, not the accusative.