German Phrase
Ja, geh über die Brücke, und es ist rechts von dir.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and clear instruction for giving directions. It combines an imperative verb ('geh' - go) with a prepositional phrase indicating movement ('über die Brücke' - over the bridge) and then states the final location relative to the listener ('rechts von dir' - to your right). It's a common way to guide someone to a specific place.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving someone directions, especially when they are on foot or driving and need to cross a bridge. It's suitable for informal situations with friends, family, or people you'd address with 'du'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ja,gehüberdieBrücke,undesistrechtsvondir.
Geh (Imperative)
'Geh' is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'gehen' (to go). It's used to give a direct command to one person you address with 'du'.
über (Preposition)
'Über' is a two-way preposition. Here, it indicates movement across something, taking the accusative case ('die Brücke').
rechts von (Prepositional Phrase)
'Rechts von' means 'to the right of.' The preposition 'von' always takes the dative case, which is why 'dir' (dative of 'du') is used.
es ist (Verb 'sein')
'Es ist' means 'it is.' 'Sein' (to be) is a common verb used to describe location or state.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigen Sie, wie komme ich zum Bahnhof?
Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
Ja, geh über die Brücke, und es ist rechts von dir.
Yes, go over the bridge, and it's to your right.
✕Common Mistakes
Ja, gehen über die Brücke, und es ist rechts von du.
'Gehen' is the infinitive; use the imperative 'geh' for a command. 'Von' takes the dative case, so 'dir' is correct, not 'du'.
Ja, geh auf die Brücke, und es ist rechts von dir.
'Auf die Brücke' implies going onto the bridge, not necessarily across it. 'Über die Brücke' specifically means crossing it.
↔Alternatives
Gehen Sie über die Brücke, und es ist rechts von Ihnen.
Go over the bridge, and it's to your right. (Formal)
Ja, dann über die Brücke, und dann ist es auf der rechten Seite.
Yes, then over the bridge, and then it's on the right side. (Slightly more casual)
Geh einfach über die Brücke, dann siehst du es auf der rechten Seite.
Just go over the bridge, then you'll see it on the right side. (More encouraging)
Cultural Tip
Germans tend to be very precise with directions. Using clear landmarks and specific prepositions like 'über' (over/across) is appreciated. While 'rechts von dir' is common, sometimes you might hear 'auf der rechten Seite' (on the right side) as well. It's generally polite to be direct and clear when giving directions.