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German Phrase

Geh geradeaus am Brunnen vorbei.

/ɡeː ɡəˈʁaːtəˌaʊ̯s am ˈbʁʊnən fɔɐ̯ˈbaɪ̯/
Meaning"Go straight past the fountain."
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Meaning

This phrase is a common and direct way to give directions in German. 'Geh' is the informal imperative form of 'gehen' (to go). 'Geradeaus' means 'straight ahead,' and 'am Brunnen vorbei' indicates passing by a specific landmark, in this case, a fountain.

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When to use

Use this phrase when giving informal directions to a single person (someone you would address with 'du'). It's perfect for guiding someone past a recognizable landmark while instructing them to continue straight on their path.

✦Grammar Breakdown

GehgeradeausamBrunnenvorbei

1

Geh (gehen)

'Geh' is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'gehen' (to go). It is used when giving a command or instruction to one person you address with 'du'.

2

geradeaus

This is an adverb meaning 'straight ahead' or 'straight on'. It modifies the verb 'gehen' to specify the direction of movement.

3

am Brunnen

'Am' is a contraction of 'an dem'. 'An' is a two-way preposition that takes the dative case here because it describes a location (passing *by* the fountain), not a direction *to* it. 'Brunnen' (fountain) is masculine, so it takes 'dem' in the dative.

4

vorbei

'Vorbei' acts as a postposition here, working with 'an' to mean 'past' or 'by'. It indicates the action of moving beyond a specific point or object.

🗨In Conversation

A

Entschuldigen Sie, wie komme ich zum Rathaus?

Excuse me, how do I get to the town hall?

Geh geradeaus am Brunnen vorbei, dann die erste Straße links.

Go straight past the fountain, then the first street on the left.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Gehen geradeaus an den Brunnen vorbei.

    The imperative for 'du' is 'Geh', not 'Gehen'. Also, 'an den' would imply moving *to* the fountain, not *past* it.

  • Geh geradeaus an dem Brunnen.

    While 'an dem' (am) is correct for dative, the crucial 'vorbei' is missing, which indicates the action of passing by.

  • Geh geradeaus vorbei am Brunnen.

    While understandable, the more natural and common word order places 'am Brunnen' before 'vorbei' when 'vorbei' acts as a postposition.

↔Alternatives

  • Gehen Sie geradeaus am Brunnen vorbei.

    Go straight past the fountain. (Formal)

  • Bleiben Sie geradeaus und gehen Sie am Brunnen vorbei.

    Stay straight and go past the fountain. (More elaborate, formal)

  • Laufen Sie geradeaus am Brunnen vorbei.

    Walk straight past the fountain. (Formal, emphasizes walking)

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Cultural Tip

In German-speaking countries, directions are often given very directly and precisely. While politeness is appreciated, elaborate pleasantries are less common than in some other cultures. It's helpful to know key landmarks, as they are frequently used in directions. Don't be surprised if locals give you very concise instructions.