German Phrase
Geh an der Ecke über die Straße.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct instruction telling someone to cross the street at the corner. It combines an imperative verb with two prepositional phrases that locate the action precisely.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving someone directions on foot, for example to a tourist, a child, or a friend who is unfamiliar with the area.
✦Grammar Breakdown
GehanderEckeüberdieStraße
Imperative (geh)
‘Geh’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb ‘gehen’ (to go). It is used for giving a direct command to ‘du’.
Preposition ‘an’ + Dative
When ‘an’ indicates a static location, it governs the dative case: ‘an der Ecke’ (at the corner).
Preposition ‘über’ + Accusative
‘Über’ used for movement across something takes the accusative: ‘über die Straße’ (across the street).
Article Declension
‘der’ is dative feminine (Ecke) and ‘die’ is accusative feminine (Straße).
🗨In Conversation
Geh an der Ecke über die Straße.
Cross the street at the corner.
Okay, danke!
Okay, thanks!
✕Common Mistakes
Geh an die Ecke über die Straße.
‘An’ with a static location requires dative, not accusative.
Geh an der Ecke über den Straße.
‘Straße’ is feminine; the accusative article is ‘die’, not ‘den’. Also ‘über’ takes accusative for movement.
Geh über die Ecke an der Straße.
The order of the prepositional phrases is reversed, making the meaning unclear.
↔Alternatives
Überquere die Straße an der Ecke.
Cross the street at the corner.
Gehe an der Ecke über die Straße.
Go across the street at the corner.
An der Ecke die Straße rübergehen.
Go over the street at the corner.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking cities pedestrians are expected to use marked ‘Fußgängerüberweg’ (crosswalk) signs. At many corners a painted zebra crossing is present, and you’ll often hear ‘Bitte warten Sie, bis die Autos halten’ (Please wait until the cars stop). Using the phrase above is perfectly natural, but always look for the official crossing line first.