Breakdown of Passen Sie draußen gut auf!
gut
good / well
Sie
you (formal)
draußen
outside
aufpassen
to pay attention
Questions & Answers about Passen Sie draußen gut auf!
Why does the sentence start with Passen Sie instead of just the verb?
When giving a command in formal German (the Sie form), you must keep the pronoun Sie and put it right after the verb. In English we just say the verb for commands, but formal German requires the pronoun: Passen Sie auf!
Why is auf at the very end of the sentence?
The verb used here is aufpassen, which is a separable verb meaning to pay attention or to watch out. Just like in a normal statement, the prefix auf separates from the main verb (passen) and moves to the very end of the sentence when giving a command.
The English translation says 'close attention', but doesn't gut mean 'good'?
Yes, gut usually means good or well. The German phrase gut aufpassen translates literally as 'to pay attention well'. Since we don't normally say that in English, it is translated into a more natural phrase like paying 'close' attention or being very 'careful'.
How would I say this command to a group of friends instead of someone I address formally?
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