How To Say Let’s Go In German | Los Gehts!

Learning a new language opens up rich ways to connect and express yourself. Today, we are focusing on a very common and practical phrase: “Let’s go.” This simple expression has several helpful variations in German.

Understanding these nuances helps you sound more natural and confident. Think of it like choosing the right tool for a specific task; each German phrase for “let’s go” has its perfect moment.

The Core German Phrases for “Let’s Go”

When you want to suggest moving from one place to another, German offers a few direct options. These phrases are widely understood and used in everyday conversation.

Let’s look at the most frequent ones first. Each carries a slightly different feeling or emphasis.

• Gehen wir! This is a very common and straightforward way to say “Let’s go!” It translates literally to “Go we!” or “Are we going?” but functions as a suggestion.
• Lass uns gehen! This phrase means “Let us go!” It’s a direct invitation and feels a little softer or more collaborative than “Gehen wir!”
• Auf geht’s! This expression is more like “Here we go!” or “Let’s get started!” It conveys enthusiasm and is often used to initiate an activity, not just physical movement.

Consider “Gehen wir!” as your default. It’s concise and works in many situations. “Lass uns gehen!” adds a touch more of a direct invitation.

The grammatical structure of “Gehen wir!” uses verb-first word order, typical for questions or suggestions in German. “Lass uns gehen!” uses the imperative form of “lassen” (to let) with the infinitive “gehen.”

How To Say Let’s Go In German: Mastering Context

Choosing the correct phrase for “Let’s go” depends heavily on the situation. The feeling you want to convey, whether it’s an urgent call or a gentle suggestion, guides your choice.

Let’s consider specific scenarios to clarify when to use each primary phrase.

1. For a general suggestion to move: If you are with friends and it’s simply time to depart, “Gehen wir!” is a perfect choice. It’s neutral and effective.
2. For a friendly invitation: When you want to sound more inviting or collaborative, “Lass uns gehen!” works well. It emphasizes the “us” in “let us go.”
3. For starting an activity with enthusiasm: “Auf geht’s!” is ideal when you’re about to begin something fun or challenging. Think of it as a rallying cry before a hike or a game.
4. When urging someone quickly: In a slightly more urgent situation, “Gehen wir!” can also be used, sometimes with a more emphatic tone.

Understanding these subtle differences helps you communicate more precisely. It’s like choosing between “Let’s depart,” “Shall we head out,” or “Time to roll!” in English.

Here’s a quick overview of these core phrases and their typical uses:

Phrase	Primary Use	Direct Meaning
Gehen wir!	General suggestion to move	Shall we go? / Go we!
Lass uns gehen!	Friendly invitation to move	Let us go!
Auf geht’s!	Enthusiastic start to an activity	Here we go! / Let’s get started!

Informal and Formal Distinctions

German distinguishes between informal (“du” for one person, “ihr” for multiple informal people) and formal (“Sie” for one or multiple formal people) address. While “Gehen wir!” and “Lass uns gehen!” are generally neutral in formality because they include “wir” (we), other related commands for “go” do change.

If you are telling someone to “go” on their own, or “come” with you, the verb changes based on the person you are addressing.

• Informal singular (to one friend): Use “Geh!” (Go!) or “Komm!” (Come!). These are direct commands.
• Informal plural (to multiple friends): Use “Geht!” (Go, all of you!) or “Kommt!” (Come, all of you!).
• Formal singular or plural (to an acquaintance or group): Use “Gehen Sie!” (Go, formally!) or “Kommen Sie!” (Come, formally!).

These commands are not strictly “let’s go” but are important for guiding movement. They are useful when you are directing someone rather than proposing a group action.

Remember that “Gehen wir!” and “Lass uns gehen!” already incorporate the idea of “we,” making them suitable for mixed groups or when the formality is implied by the group dynamic rather than an individual address.

Here’s a table illustrating these direct commands:

Situation	Informal (du/ihr)	Formal (Sie)
To one person (Go!)	Geh!	Gehen Sie!
To multiple people (Go!)	Geht!	Gehen Sie!
To one person (Come!)	Komm!	Kommen Sie!
To multiple people (Come!)	Kommt!	Kommen Sie!

Adding Urgency and Other Expressions

Sometimes “Let’s go” needs to carry a stronger sense of urgency or a different shade of meaning. German has expressions for these situations too.

These phrases add color and precision to your communication. They help you sound more like a native speaker.

• Los geht’s! This is very similar to “Auf geht’s!” and also means “Here we go!” or “Off we go!” It’s highly versatile for starting things or moving.
• Abfahrt! Literally “departure,” this exclamation can mean “Let’s go!” in a very direct, sometimes urgent way, especially when a journey is about to begin. Think of a bus driver announcing departure.
• Wir brechen auf. This means “We are breaking up/setting off.” It’s a more descriptive statement about starting a journey, rather than a direct command or suggestion.
• Schnell! (Quickly!) or Beeil dich! / Beeilt euch! / Beeilen Sie sich! (Hurry up!) can be combined with “Gehen wir!” for added urgency.

These variations serve different purposes. “Los geht’s!” is a great alternative to “Auf geht’s!” for general initiation. “Abfahrt!” injects a sense of immediate action, often in travel contexts.

Using these phrases appropriately shows a deeper grasp of German expression. It’s about finding the perfect fit for the moment.

Practical Application and Learning Strategies

The best way to master these phrases is through consistent practice and real-world application. Language learning thrives on active engagement.

Here are some strategies to help you integrate “Let’s go” into your German vocabulary with confidence.

1. Listen Actively: Pay attention to how native speakers use “Gehen wir!”, “Lass uns gehen!”, and “Auf geht’s!” in films, podcasts, or conversations. Notice the tone and situation.
2. Practice Aloud: Say these phrases out loud repeatedly. Practice them in different tones—urgent, gentle, enthusiastic. This builds muscle memory for your mouth and ears.
3. Create Scenarios: Mentally (or with a language partner) construct short dialogues where you need to use “Let’s go.” For example, “We need to catch the train. Gehen wir!”
4. Flashcards with Context: Make flashcards not just with the phrase, but with a small drawing or a short sentence describing the context where it’s used.
5. Record Yourself: Speak the phrases and record your voice. Listen back to check your pronunciation and intonation. Compare it to native speaker audio.

Learning phrases in context makes them stick much better than rote memorization. Connect each phrase to a feeling or a specific scenario.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are valuable learning opportunities. The goal is clear communication, not perfection from the start.

Regular, short practice sessions are more effective than infrequent, long ones. Consistency builds lasting knowledge.

How To Say Let’s Go In German — FAQs

What is the most polite way to say “Let’s go” in German?

The phrase “Lass uns gehen!” is generally considered a polite and inviting way to say “Let’s go.” It directly translates to “Let us go” and feels like a gentle suggestion. “Gehen wir!” is also perfectly polite and common for general use.

Can “Los!” be used as “Let’s go”?

Yes, “Los!” can indeed function as a very direct and urgent “Go!” or “Let’s go!” It’s an exclamation that implies immediate action. While short and impactful, it lacks the explicit “we” of “Gehen wir!” or “Lass uns gehen!”

How do I tell someone to hurry up and go?

To tell someone to hurry up and go, you can combine “Beeil dich!” (informal singular) or “Beeilen Sie sich!” (formal singular/plural) with “Gehen wir!” or “Los geht’s!” For example, “Beeil dich, gehen wir!” is a clear and direct way to express this urgency.

Are there regional differences in saying “Let’s go” in Germany?

While “Gehen wir!”, “Lass uns gehen!”, and “Auf geht’s!” are universally understood, subtle preferences might exist. Some regions might lean more towards one phrase over another in casual speech. However, any of these core phrases will be recognized and appropriate throughout German-speaking areas.

How do I suggest going somewhere specific, like “Let’s go to the park”?

To suggest going to a specific place, you can use “Lass uns in den Park gehen!” or “Gehen wir in den Park!” The structure involves “Lass uns… gehen!” or “Gehen wir…!” followed by the destination. This clearly states both the action and the target location.