geradeaus

Geradeaus is a German adverb meaning straight ahead or directly forward. It is used to indicate that a person should move in a straight line from their current position, without turning, until a specified point. The term is commonly found in everyday speech as well as in road signs, maps, and navigation devices.

Etymology and orthography: The word is a compound formed from gerade (straight, even) and aus (outward), and in standard German it is usually written as a single word: geradeaus. The phrase is predominantly adverbial and does not require a preposition after it; for example, Gehen Sie geradeaus bis zur Kreuzung. When used in different contexts, it remains an adverbial marker of direction.

Usage: In driving and walking directions, geradeaus is used to instruct continued forward motion. On street signs and in transit information, it indicates that the route continues without turning at the next intersection. In metaphorical uses, the word can imply proceeding in a straightforward, uncompromising manner, though such uses are less common in formal writing.

See also: Rechts, Links, Abbiegen.