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How to Say ‘I have to drive later’ in German

Ich muss nachher noch fahren

ikh moos nahkh-HAIR nohkh FAH-ren

[ikh moos nahkh-HAIR nohkh FAH-ren]

🇩🇪 In Germany: Germany's drink-driving limits are strictly enforced, so this is a fully accepted reason to skip alcohol. Nobody will push you to drink.

Phrase Breakdown

Ich muss nachher

ikh moos nahkh-HAIR

I have to later

'nachher' means 'later' or 'afterwards'. Stress the first syllable: NACH-her.

Example

Ich muss nachher einkaufen.

I have to go shopping later.

Words in this phrase

Ich

[ikh]

The pronoun 'ich' in nominative form.

Example

Ich bin da.

I am here.

muss

[moos]

must

Shows necessity or obligation.

Example

Ich muss Bescheid geben., weil das Restaurant planen muss.

I have to let them know because the restaurant has to plan.

nachher

[nahkh-HAIR]

later, afterwards

Adverb for a time after the present moment.

Example

Wir sehen uns nachher.

See you later.

noch fahren

nohkh FAH-ren

still drive

The infinitive 'fahren' goes at the end. The 'h' in 'fahren' is silent and lengthens the 'a'.

Example

Sie muss noch fahren.

She still has to drive.

Words in this phrase

noch

[nohkh]

Still

Refers to continuing in time.

Example

Ich bin noch am Arbeiten.

I am still working.

fahren

[FAH-ren]

to drive

To travel by vehicle.

Example

Wir fahren nach Hause.

We drive home.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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