German Phrase
Pass auf dich auf.
Meaning
Literally ‘Take care of yourself,’ this phrase is a friendly reminder to look after one’s own health or safety. It can be used both as a farewell and as a caring prompt in the middle of a conversation.
When to use
Used in informal settings among friends, family, or peers. In a more formal context you would switch to the polite form ‘Passen Sie gut auf sich auf.’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Passaufdichauf
Separable verb (aufpassen)
‘aufpassen’ is a separable verb; in the imperative the prefix ‘auf’ moves to the end of the clause: ‘Pass auf … auf.’
Reflexive pronoun (dich)
When you look after yourself, the verb takes a reflexive pronoun in the accusative: ‘dich’ (you).
🗨In Conversation
Pass auf dich auf!
Take care of yourself!
Danke, du auch!
Thanks, you too!
✕Common Mistakes
Pass auf dich.
Missing the second ‘auf’ leaves the separable verb incomplete.
Passen Sie auf dich auf.
Mixes formal ‘Sie’ with informal ‘dich’; the correct formal version uses ‘sich’: ‘Passen Sie gut auf sich auf.’
↔Alternatives
Mach's gut.
All the best.
Pass gut auf dich auf.
Take good care of yourself.
Kümmer dich um dich selbst.
Look after yourself.
Cultural Tip
German separates the prefix of a separable verb in the imperative, so ‘Pass auf dich auf’ sounds natural to native ears. Using the formal ‘Sie’ version in casual conversation can sound stiff or even rude, so match the register to your relationship.