German Phrase
Pass beim Einsteigen auf die Lücke auf.
Meaning
This phrase is a common safety warning, particularly in public transport, instructing people to be careful of the space between the train/subway and the platform. It literally translates to "Pay attention to the gap when getting on." The verb "aufpassen" (to pay attention/watch out) is separable, with "auf" appearing at the end of the sentence in this imperative form.
When to use
You will most frequently hear or see this phrase in train stations, subway stations, or tram stops, especially when there's a noticeable gap between the vehicle and the platform. It serves as a crucial safety instruction to prevent accidents during boarding or alighting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
PassbeimEinsteigenaufdieLückeauf
Pass... auf (aufpassen)
This comes from the separable verb "aufpassen" (to pay attention, to watch out). In an imperative sentence like this, the prefix "auf" moves to the very end of the clause.
beim Einsteigen
"beim" is a contraction of "bei dem". "Einsteigen" is a nominalized infinitive (a verb used as a noun), meaning "when boarding" or "during boarding". This construction is common for expressing actions happening concurrently.
auf die Lücke
The preposition "auf" here takes the accusative case ("die Lücke") because it's used with the verb "aufpassen auf" (to pay attention to), which always governs the accusative case for the object of attention.
🗨In Conversation
Entschuldigung, ist das der Zug nach Berlin?
Excuse me, is this the train to Berlin?
Ja, aber pass beim Einsteigen auf die Lücke auf!
Yes, but mind the gap when boarding!
✕Common Mistakes
Achte die Lücke.
The verb "achten" (to pay attention) typically requires the preposition "auf" followed by the accusative case, so it should be "achte auf die Lücke" if used in this context, though "aufpassen" is more common for this specific warning.
Sei vorsichtig mit der Lücke.
While grammatically correct, this is not the idiomatic or standard warning used in German public transport. It sounds too literal and less like a direct instruction.
Pass auf die Lücke.
This is missing the second 'auf' from the separable verb 'aufpassen' which should be at the end of the sentence in an imperative clause. Also, for the full context, 'beim Einsteigen' is usually included.
↔Alternatives
Vorsicht, Stufe!
Caution, step!
Achten Sie auf den Spalt zwischen Zug und Bahnsteig.
Please pay attention to the gap between the train and the platform.
Bitte beachten Sie den Abstand.
Please note the distance/gap.
Cultural Tip
This phrase is the German equivalent of the famous "Mind the Gap" warning found in English-speaking countries, particularly in London's Underground. It's a ubiquitous safety announcement in German-speaking countries, especially in major cities with extensive public transport networks like Berlin, Munich, or Vienna. Heeding such warnings is an important part of public transport etiquette and safety.