sicherzugehen

Sicherzugehen is a German verbal expression meaning to take actions to make sure that a condition is met or that a plan will succeed. It is built from the adjective sicher (sure, safe) and the verb gehen (to go), conveying the idea of proceeding in a way that increases certainty. The phrase is most common in formal or instructional contexts and appears in non-finite clauses such as um sicherzugehen, dass..., or in sentences with dass clauses following a finite verb.

In everyday language, speakers often prefer the synonyms sicherstellen (to ensure) or vergewissern (to verify), which more directly denote the act of making something certain. Sicherzugehen is thus frequently used when describing precautionary steps or checks undertaken to prevent mistakes.

Grammatical notes: Sicherzugehen is used with subordinate clauses introduced by dass or with purpose clauses introduced by um, as in um sicherzugehen, dass alle Daten korrekt sind. The accompanying verb is typically in a finite form or another main clause that provides the context for the precaution. The associated noun form is uncommon; more typical nominalizations include das Sicherstellen or die Vergewisserung.

Examples:

- Wir prüfen die Konten, um sicherzugehen, dass keine Fehler vorliegen.

- Um sicherzugehen, dass alle Beteiligten informiert sind, hat die Abteilung eine Rundmail versendet.

- Auf Nummer sicher gehen ist in riskanten Situationen eine verbreitete Praxis.

Related terms: sicherstellen, vergewissern, vorsorgen, auf Nummer sicher gehen.