Learning how to express simple phrases like “Let’s go” is crucial for effective communication in any language. In German, there are several ways to convey this idea, each with its own nuances and contexts.
Understanding these variations will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your ability to participate in conversations and express yourself naturally. This article provides a detailed exploration of the different ways to say “Let’s go” in German, complete with examples, usage rules, and practice exercises.
This guide is perfect for beginners looking to grasp basic German phrases and intermediate learners aiming to refine their understanding of colloquial expressions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: “Let’s Go” in German
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Let’s Go”
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition: “Let’s Go” in German
The phrase “Let’s go” in English is used to express a suggestion or invitation to start moving or leave a place. In German, this idea can be conveyed using several different expressions, each carrying slightly different connotations and levels of formality.
These expressions include “Lass uns gehen,” “Gehen wir?,” “Auf geht’s!,” and “Los geht’s!,” among others. Understanding the subtle differences between these options allows for more precise and natural communication.
Each variation serves a specific function in German conversation. “Lass uns gehen” is a direct and straightforward translation; “Gehen wir?” is a question that serves as an invitation; “Auf geht’s!” is an enthusiastic encouragement; and “Los geht’s!” is a call to action.
The context of the conversation, the relationship between the speakers, and the desired tone will all influence which expression is most appropriate. Mastering these phrases will significantly improve fluency and comprehension.
Structural Breakdown
Each expression for “Let’s go” in German has a distinct grammatical structure. Understanding these structures is crucial for using the phrases correctly and adapting them to different situations.
- “Lass uns gehen”: This phrase consists of the verb “lassen” (to let), the pronoun “uns” (us), and the verb “gehen” (to go). The structure follows the pattern of “Let us go.”
- “Gehen wir?”: This is an interrogative sentence, meaning “Are we going?” or “Shall we go?” The verb “gehen” is conjugated in the first-person plural form, and “wir” (we) is the subject. The question mark indicates that it’s an invitation or suggestion.
- “Auf geht’s!”: This expression uses the preposition “auf” (on/up), the verb “gehen” in its third-person singular form (“geht”), and the pronoun “es” (it). It literally translates to “On it goes!” but is used to mean “Let’s go!” or “Here we go!”
- “Los geht’s!”: Similar to “Auf geht’s!,” this phrase uses the adverb “los” (loose/off/away) and the verb “gehen” in its third-person singular form (“geht”), along with the pronoun “es.” It means “Let’s get started!” or “Here we go!”
Types and Categories of “Let’s Go”
There are several common ways to say “Let’s go” in German. Each expression carries a slightly different nuance, making some more appropriate than others depending on the context.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
“Lass uns gehen”
This is the most direct translation of “Let’s go.” It is generally considered more formal than other options and is suitable for a variety of situations. The phrase is constructed using “lassen,” which means “to let,” “uns,” which means “us,” and “gehen,” which means “to go.” This phrase is a straightforward and easily understood way to suggest leaving or starting an activity.
“Gehen wir?”
This translates to “Shall we go?” or “Are we going?” It is a question that serves as an invitation or suggestion. This option is less direct than “Lass uns gehen” and is often used when seeking agreement or confirmation from others.
The interrogative nature of the phrase makes it a polite way to propose an action.
“Auf geht’s!”
This expression is more enthusiastic and energetic. It is often used to encourage action or to express excitement about starting something.
“Auf geht’s!” is commonly heard in sports contexts or when embarking on a new adventure. It’s a great way to motivate a group or express personal enthusiasm.
“Los geht’s!”
Similar to “Auf geht’s!,” “Los geht’s!” is an expression of readiness and eagerness to begin. It can be translated as “Let’s get started!” or “Here we go!” This phrase is often used when initiating a task or activity, indicating that it’s time to start without delay.
It is slightly less formal than “Lass uns gehen” but still widely used and understood.
Other Expressions
In addition to the above, there are other ways to express the idea of “Let’s go” in German, although they might not be direct translations. For example, “Machen wir uns auf den Weg!” (Let’s get on our way!) or “Wir müssen los!” (We have to go!).
These expressions add variety to your language and can be useful in specific contexts. Understanding these alternatives helps to broaden your communication skills.
Examples
To fully understand how to use these phrases, it’s important to see them in context. Below are several examples of each phrase used in different situations.
“Lass uns gehen” Examples
The following table provides examples of how “Lass uns gehen” can be used in various contexts. This phrase is versatile and can be used in formal and informal situations.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Lass uns ins Kino gehen. | Let’s go to the cinema. |
| Lass uns jetzt gehen, es wird spät. | Let’s go now, it’s getting late. |
| Lass uns einen Spaziergang machen gehen. | Let’s go for a walk. |
| Lass uns in den Park gehen. | Let’s go to the park. |
| Lass uns etwas essen gehen. | Let’s go get something to eat. |
| Lass uns nach Hause gehen. | Let’s go home. |
| Lass uns einkaufen gehen. | Let’s go shopping. |
| Lass uns schwimmen gehen. | Let’s go swimming. |
| Lass uns wandern gehen. | Let’s go hiking. |
| Lass uns tanzen gehen. | Let’s go dancing. |
| Lass uns ein Eis essen gehen. | Let’s go get some ice cream. |
| Lass uns ins Museum gehen. | Let’s go to the museum. |
| Lass uns ins Theater gehen. | Let’s go to the theater. |
| Lass uns in die Bibliothek gehen. | Let’s go to the library. |
| Lass uns ins Konzert gehen. | Let’s go to the concert. |
| Lass uns in die Berge gehen. | Let’s go to the mountains. |
| Lass uns ans Meer gehen. | Let’s go to the sea. |
| Lass uns auf eine Party gehen. | Let’s go to a party. |
| Lass uns zur Arbeit gehen. | Let’s go to work. |
| Lass uns zur Schule gehen. | Let’s go to school. |
| Lass uns ins Restaurant gehen. | Let’s go to the restaurant. |
| Lass uns ins Café gehen. | Let’s go to the cafe. |
| Lass uns ins Fitnessstudio gehen. | Let’s go to the gym. |
| Lass uns zum Arzt gehen. | Let’s go to the doctor. |
| Lass uns zum Friseur gehen. | Let’s go to the hairdresser. |
“Gehen wir?” Examples
The following table provides examples of how “Gehen wir?” can be used in various contexts. This phrase is a question, so it’s often used to seek agreement or confirmation.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Gehen wir ins Kino? | Shall we go to the cinema? |
| Gehen wir jetzt? | Shall we go now? |
| Gehen wir einen Kaffee trinken? | Shall we go for a coffee? |
| Gehen wir spazieren? | Shall we go for a walk? |
| Gehen wir nach Hause? | Shall we go home? |
| Gehen wir etwas essen? | Shall we go eat something? |
| Gehen wir tanzen? | Shall we go dancing? |
| Gehen wir schwimmen? | Shall we go swimming? |
| Gehen wir einkaufen? | Shall we go shopping? |
| Gehen wir wandern? | Shall we go hiking? |
| Gehen wir ins Museum? | Shall we go to the museum? |
| Gehen wir ins Theater? | Shall we go to the theater? |
| Gehen wir in die Bibliothek? | Shall we go to the library? |
| Gehen wir ins Konzert? | Shall we go to the concert? |
| Gehen wir in die Berge? | Shall we go to the mountains? |
| Gehen wir ans Meer? | Shall we go to the sea? |
| Gehen wir auf eine Party? | Shall we go to a party? |
| Gehen wir zur Arbeit? | Shall we go to work? |
| Gehen wir zur Schule? | Shall we go to school? |
| Gehen wir ins Restaurant? | Shall we go to the restaurant? |
| Gehen wir ins Café? | Shall we go to the cafe? |
| Gehen wir ins Fitnessstudio? | Shall we go to the gym? |
| Gehen wir zum Arzt? | Shall we go to the doctor? |
| Gehen wir zum Friseur? | Shall we go to the hairdresser? |
| Gehen wir ein Eis essen? | Shall we go get some ice cream? |
“Auf geht’s!” Examples
The following table provides examples of how “Auf geht’s!” can be used in various contexts. This phrase is energetic and enthusiastic, suitable for motivating others.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Auf geht’s, Leute! | Let’s go, everyone! |
| Auf geht’s zum Spiel! | Let’s go to the game! |
| Auf geht’s in den Urlaub! | Let’s go on vacation! |
| Auf geht’s, wir schaffen das! | Let’s go, we can do it! |
| Auf geht’s, die Arbeit ruft! | Let’s go, work is calling! |
| Auf geht’s, es wird Zeit! | Let’s go, it’s time! |
| Auf geht’s, packen wir es an! | Let’s go, let’s tackle it! |
| Auf geht’s, die Party beginnt! | Let’s go, the party is starting! |
| Auf geht’s, lasst uns feiern! | Let’s go, let’s celebrate! |
| Auf geht’s, es ist Abenteuerzeit! | Let’s go, it’s adventure time! |
| Auf geht’s, neue Herausforderungen! | Let’s go, new challenges! |
| Auf geht’s, wir sind bereit! | Let’s go, we are ready! |
| Auf geht’s, die Sonne scheint! | Let’s go, the sun is shining! |
| Auf geht’s, ein neuer Tag! | Let’s go, a new day! |
| Auf geht’s, wir haben keine Zeit zu verlieren! | Let’s go, we have no time to lose! |
| Auf geht’s, es gibt viel zu tun! | Let’s go, there is a lot to do! |
| Auf geht’s, wir starten durch! | Let’s go, we’re starting strong! |
| Auf geht’s, das wird super! | Let’s go, it will be great! |
| Auf geht’s, wir sind das beste Team! | Let’s go, we are the best team! |
| Auf geht’s, wir rocken das! | Let’s go, we’ll rock this! |
| Auf geht’s, wir sind unschlagbar! | Let’s go, we are unbeatable! |
| Auf geht’s, wir geben alles! | Let’s go, we’ll give it our all! |
| Auf geht’s, zum Erfolg! | Let’s go, to success! |
| Auf geht’s, wir werden gewinnen! | Let’s go, we will win! |
“Los geht’s!” Examples
The following table provides examples of how “Los geht’s!” can be used in various contexts. This phrase is similar to “Auf geht’s!” but often implies starting a task or activity.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Los geht’s mit der Arbeit! | Let’s get started with the work! |
| Los geht’s mit dem Spiel! | Let’s get started with the game! |
| Los geht’s mit dem Projekt! | Let’s get started with the project! |
| Los geht’s mit der Präsentation! | Let’s get started with the presentation! |
| Los geht’s mit dem Kochen! | Let’s get started with the cooking! |
| Los geht’s mit dem Aufräumen! | Let’s get started with the cleaning up! |
| Los geht’s mit dem Lernen! | Let’s get started with the learning! |
| Los geht’s mit dem Training! | Let’s get started with the training! |
| Los geht’s mit der Übung! | Let’s get started with the exercise! |
| Los geht’s mit der Planung! | Let’s get started with the planning! |
| Los geht’s, wir fangen an! | Let’s go, we’re starting! |
| Los geht’s, keine Zeit verlieren! | Let’s go, no time to lose! |
| Los geht’s, wir legen los! | Let’s go, we’re getting started! |
| Los geht’s, wir sind bereit! | Let’s go, we are ready! |
| Los geht’s, wir schaffen das! | Let’s go, we can do it! |
| Los geht’s, es wird spannend! | Let’s go, it will be exciting! |
| Los geht’s, es wird lustig! | Let’s go, it will be fun! |
| Los geht’s, wir sind motiviert! | Let’s go, we are motivated! |
| Los geht’s, wir geben unser Bestes! | Let’s go, we’ll do our best! |
| Los geht’s, wir sind unaufhaltsam! | Let’s go, we are unstoppable! |
| Los geht’s, wir sind ein Team! | Let’s go, we are a team! |
| Los geht’s, wir ziehen das durch! | Let’s go, we’ll pull it through! |
| Los geht’s, wir sind auf dem richtigen Weg! | Let’s go, we are on the right track! |
| Los geht’s, wir sind fast da! | Let’s go, we are almost there! |
Other Expressions Examples
The following table provides examples of other ways to express “Let’s go” in German, adding variety to your language skills.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Machen wir uns auf den Weg! | Let’s get on our way! |
| Wir müssen los! | We have to go! |
| Wir sollten gehen. | We should go. |
| Es ist Zeit zu gehen. | It’s time to go. |
| Komm, wir gehen. | Come on, let’s go. |
| Auf geht’s nach Hause! | Let’s go home! |
| Wir brechen auf! | We’re setting off! |
| Lasst uns aufbrechen! | Let’s set off! |
| Ab geht die Post! | Here we go! (literally: Off goes the mail!) |
| Wir düsen ab! | We’re zooming off! |
Usage Rules
Understanding the usage rules for each expression is crucial for using them correctly. Here are some guidelines:
- “Lass uns gehen”: Use this when you want to make a straightforward suggestion. It’s suitable for most situations but can sound slightly formal in very casual settings.
- “Gehen wir?”: Use this when you want to invite someone or seek confirmation. It’s a polite and less direct way to suggest going somewhere.
- “Auf geht’s!”: Use this when you want to express enthusiasm and encourage action. It’s great for motivating a group or expressing excitement.
- “Los geht’s!”: Use this when you want to indicate that it’s time to start a task or activity. It’s perfect for initiating projects or getting things underway.
Remember that the context of the conversation and your relationship with the other speakers will influence which expression is most appropriate. Consider the tone you want to convey and choose the phrase that best fits the situation.
Common Mistakes
Even with a good understanding of the phrases, learners often make common mistakes. Here are some examples of incorrect usage and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Lass uns gehen. | “Gehen” should be in the infinitive form after “lassen.” | |
| Gehen wir? | The correct form for “we” is “wir,” not “du.” | |
| Auf geht’s! | The correct form of “gehen” in this expression is “geht.” | |
| Los geht’s! | Similar to “Auf geht’s!,” the correct form is “geht.” | |
| Lass uns gehen. | The correct pronoun is “uns” (us), not “wir” (we). |
Avoid these common mistakes by paying attention to the correct verb forms and pronoun usage. Practice using the phrases in different contexts to reinforce your understanding.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of “Let’s go” in German.
- We are ready to start! __________ mit dem Projekt!
- Shall we go to the park? __________ in den Park?
- Let’s go everyone! __________ , Leute!
- Let’s go now, it’s getting late! __________ jetzt gehen, es wird spät!
- Let’s get on our way! __________ auf den Weg!
- We have to go! __________ los!
- Let’s start the game! __________ mit dem Spiel!
- Shall we go for a coffee? __________ einen Kaffee trinken?
- Let’s go home! __________ nach Hause!
- Let’s do this together! __________ , wir schaffen das!
Answer Key:
- Los geht’s
- Gehen wir
- Auf geht’s
- Lass uns
- Machen wir uns
- Wir müssen
- Los geht’s
- Gehen wir
- Lass uns
- Auf geht’s
More practice! Choose the correct expression to complete each sentence:
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| __________ in die Berge? | a) Lass uns gehen, b) Gehen wir, c) Auf geht’s | b) Gehen wir |
| __________ mit dem Training! | a) Lass uns gehen, b) Auf geht’s, c) Los geht’s | c) Los geht’s |
| __________ zum Strand! | a) Auf geht’s, b) Gehen wir, c) Lass uns | a) Auf geht’s |
| __________ ein Eis essen. | a) Gehen wir, b) Lass uns gehen, c) Los geht’s | b) Lass uns gehen |
| Wir __________! Es ist schon spät. | a) Los geht’s, b) müssen los, c) gehen wir | b) müssen los |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring more nuanced ways to express the idea of “Let’s go” in German. This can include idiomatic expressions and regional variations.
For example, in some regions, you might hear phrases that are specific to that area.
Additionally, explore how the tone and register of your voice can influence the meaning of these phrases. A phrase like “Gehen wir?” can sound genuinely inviting or slightly sarcastic depending on how you say it.
Pay attention to native speakers and how they use these expressions in different contexts.
Another advanced topic involves understanding the subtle differences between similar-sounding phrases. For example, “Auf geht’s!” and “Los geht’s!” are often used interchangeably, but “Los geht’s!” is more commonly used when referring to beginning a specific task, whereas “Auf geht’s!” can be a more general expression of enthusiasm.
FAQ
- What is the most common way to say “Let’s go” in German?
“Lass uns gehen” is a direct translation and widely understood, but “Auf geht’s!” and “Los geht’s!” are also very common, especially in informal settings. - Is “Gehen wir?” a question or a statement?
“Gehen wir?” is a question. It translates to “Shall we go?” or “Are we going?” and is used as an invitation or suggestion. - When should I use “Auf geht’s!” instead of “Los geht’s!”?
“Auf geht’s!” is a more general expression of enthusiasm, while “Los geht’s!” is often used to indicate the start of a specific task or activity. - Can I use “Lass uns gehen” in formal situations?
Yes, “Lass uns gehen” is suitable for both formal and informal situations, although it might sound slightly formal in very casual settings. - Are there any regional variations for saying “Let’s go” in German?
Yes, there may be regional variations, but the phrases discussed in this article are widely understood throughout German-speaking regions. - Is it correct to say “Gehen wir jetzt sofort?”
Yes, it is correct. It means “Shall we go right now?” or “Are we going immediately?”. The word “sofort” amplifies the urgency. - How do I make “Lass uns gehen” sound less formal?
While “Lass uns gehen” is already relatively neutral, you can make it sound less formal by using a more casual tone of voice and pairing it with other informal language. For example, following it with a more casual question or remark. - Are there any other ways to say “Let’s go” that are more slang or colloquial?
Yes, you might hear phrases like “Ab geht die Post!” (Here we go!), which is a more colloquial expression.
Conclusion
Mastering the different ways to say “Let’s go” in German is a valuable step toward fluency. By understanding the nuances of phrases like “Lass uns gehen,” “Gehen wir?,” “Auf geht’s!,” and “Los geht’s!,” you can communicate more effectively and express yourself more naturally in German conversations.
Each expression has its own context and level of formality, so choosing the right one can greatly enhance your communication skills.
Continue practicing these phrases in various contexts to reinforce your understanding. Pay attention to how native speakers use them and don’t be afraid to experiment with different expressions to find what works best for you.
With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to confidently and accurately say “Let’s go” in German in any situation. Remember to focus on both the grammatical structure and the cultural context to truly master these essential phrases.