A guide to the common German phrases and commands used by the examiner during the practical driving test (`praktische Fahrprüfung`). Understanding these phrases will help you stay calm and focused.

🏁 A. The Start of the Exam (`Prüfungsbeginn`)

• Stellen Sie bitte Spiegel, Sitz und Lenkrad für sich ein.

  Translation: “Please adjust the mirrors, seat, and steering wheel for yourself.” Action: Adjust your driving position perfectly.

• Machen wir eine Sicherheitskontrolle. Können Sie mir die Warnblinkanlage zeigen?

  Translation: “Let’s do a safety check. Can you show me the hazard warning lights?” Action: Perform the requested technical check (e.g., lights, tires, horn).

• Wenn Sie so weit sind, können wir losfahren.

  Translation: “When you are ready, we can start driving.” Action: Start the car and begin the drive.

🧭 B. Basic Driving Commands (`Fahranweisungen`)

• Die nächste Straße bitte rechts/links abbiegen.

  Translation: “The next street, please turn right/left.” Action: Take the very next possible turn.

• An der Ampel fahren wir rechts/links.

  Translation: “At the traffic light, we will go right/left.” Action: Prepare for a turn at the upcoming traffic light.

• Wir fahren weiter geradeaus.

  Translation: “We will continue driving straight ahead.” Action: Proceed straight through the next intersection.

• Nehmen Sie im Kreisverkehr die zweite Ausfahrt.

  Translation: “In the roundabout, take the second exit.” Action: Enter the roundabout and leave at the second exit. Remember to signal before exiting.

• Folgen Sie dem Straßenverlauf.

  Translation: “Follow the course of the road.” Action: Follow the path of the bending priority road (`abknickende Vorfahrtsstraße`). Remember to signal if the road turns.

🅿️ C. Specific Maneuvers (`Besondere Fahraufgaben`)

• Suchen Sie sich eine geeignete Stelle zum Einparken.

  Translation: “Find a suitable spot for parking.” Action: Look for a legal space. The examiner will then give more specific instructions.

• Bitte wenden Sie hier bei Gelegenheit.

  Translation: “Please turn the car around here when you have the opportunity.” Action: Perform a three-point turn or find a safe place to turn around.

• Wir machen jetzt eine Gefahrbremsung.

  Translation: “We will now perform an emergency brake.” Action: Be prepared for the command "STOPP!" or "JETZT!".

🛣️ D. On the Autobahn (`Auf der Autobahn`)

• Wir fahren auf die Autobahn in Richtung [City Name].

  Translation: “We are driving onto the Autobahn in the direction of [City Name].” Action: Follow the blue signs to the correct Autobahn entrance.

• Verlassen Sie die Autobahn an der nächsten Ausfahrt.

  Translation: “Leave the Autobahn at the next exit.” Action: Prepare to exit (signal early, use the deceleration lane).

❓ E. If You Don’t Understand a Command

This is the most important phrase you can learn. It is always better to ask than to make a mistake.

• What to say: "Entschuldigung, können Sie das bitte wiederholen?"

  Translation: “Excuse me, could you please repeat that?”