German Phrase
Folge den Gate-Nummern.
Meaning
‘Folge den Gate-Nummern.’ means ‘Follow the gate numbers.’ It is a short, direct instruction that tells someone to look for and move toward the numbered gates, typically in an airport or conference venue.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are guiding a traveler, a colleague, or a visitor inside an airport, train station, or any large building where gates are numbered. It works well in both formal signage and informal spoken directions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
FolgedenGate-Nummern
Imperative of folgen
‘Folge’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘folgen’ (to follow). It is used for giving direct commands to one person.
Dative object
‘folgen’ always takes a dative object, so the article ‘den’ is the dative plural form of ‘die’.
Compound noun & case marking
‘Gate-Nummern’ is a compound noun (Gate + Nummern). In the dative plural the ending ‘-n’ is added to the noun, giving ‘Gate‑Nummern’.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, wo finde ich Gate 12?
Excuse me, where can I find Gate 12?
Folge den Gate-Nummern, es ist gleich rechts.
Follow the gate numbers, it’s just to the right.
✕Common Mistakes
Folge die Gate-Nummern.
‘folgen’ requires the dative case, so the correct article is ‘den’, not the accusative ‘die’.
Folge den Gate Nummern.
When forming a compound noun, a hyphen or concatenation is needed; otherwise the case ending is unclear.
Folgen den Gate-Nummern.
‘Folgen’ is the infinitive; the imperative form is ‘Folge’.
↔Alternatives
Gehe zu den Gate-Nummern.
Go to the gate numbers.
Folge den Nummern der Gates.
Follow the numbers of the gates.
Bitte den Gate-Nummern folgen.
Please follow the gate numbers.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking airports the word ‘Gate’ is usually kept in English, but the surrounding text is German. Using the dative case (den Gate‑Nummern) sounds natural to native speakers. Adding ‘Bitte’ before the imperative makes the command sound more polite, especially in public announcements.