German Phrase
Halt nicht für Fremde an.
Meaning
A direct piece of advice meaning ‘Don’t stop for strangers.’ It can be literal (e.g., while driving) or figurative (don’t waste time on people you don’t know). The tone is firm but common in everyday German.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to warn someone not to be distracted or delayed by unknown people – for example, a parent telling a teen not to linger with strangers, a traffic officer reminding drivers, or a friend giving life‑advice about staying focused.
✦Grammar Breakdown
HaltnichtfürFremdean
Imperative of a separable verb
‘Halt’ is the 2nd‑person singular imperative of ‘halten’. Because ‘anhalten’ is separable, the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause.
Negation with ‘nicht’
‘nicht’ negates the whole command and is placed directly after the verb in the imperative.
Preposition ‘für’ + Accusative
‘für’ always governs the accusative case; ‘Fremde’ (plural) looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Plural noun ‘Fremde’
‘Fremde’ is the plural of ‘der Fremde’ (a stranger). In this context it refers to any strangers in general.
🗨In Conversation
Halt nicht für Fremde an.
Don’t stop for strangers.
Warum? Ich will nur kurz fragen, ob sie den Weg kennen.
Why? I just want to ask quickly if they know the way.
✕Common Mistakes
Halt nicht an für Fremde.
The separable prefix ‘an’ must stay at the end of the clause; moving it before the prepositional phrase breaks the verb structure.
Halten Sie nicht für Fremde an.
When using the formal ‘Sie’, the verb must be ‘Halten Sie nicht an für Fremde.’ The ‘an’ belongs at the end, not after ‘Sie’.
Halt nicht für Fremden an.
‘Fremden’ is dative; after ‘für’ you need the accusative ‘Fremde’.
↔Alternatives
Bleib nicht stehen für Fremde.
Don’t stand still for strangers.
Verliere nicht deine Zeit mit Fremden.
Don’t waste your time with strangers.
Hör auf, für Fremde anzuhalten.
Stop stopping for strangers.
Cultural Tip
German speakers value directness and personal responsibility. This phrase is often used in safety contexts (e.g., traffic, nightlife) and can sound a bit stern if said to a close friend. Adjust the tone – add a friendly smile or soften with ‘bitte’ – when you want it to feel more like advice than a command.