01
safe
definitely
A colloquial expression from English used to express that something is certain, sure, or definitely the case.
example
Wir treffen uns um acht, safe!
We'll meet at eight, definitely!
safe
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Not declined
As an adjective, 'safe' is not declined in German. It always remains unchanged after the noun or as part of the predicate.
EXAMPLE
Die Verbindung ist jetzt safe.
The connection is safe now.
Colloquial language
The word 'safe' is a very informal loanword from English. It is especially common in youth slang and casual conversations.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, die Prüfung schaffst du safe.
Don't worry, you'll definitely pass the exam.
As confirmation
In the meaning 'sicher' (sure) or 'definitiv' (definitely), 'safe' often appears at the end of a sentence. It then functions like a strong confirmation of the whole statement.
EXAMPLE
Ich komme auf jeden Fall zur Party, safe!
I'll definitely come to the party, for sure!
Adjective, not noun
The German adjective 'safe' (safe/sure) should not be confused with the English noun 'a safe' (ein Tresor). The German word for the container is 'der Safe' (the safe) or 'der Tresor' (the safe/vault).
EXAMPLE
Das Geld ist im Tresor sicher.
The money is secure in the safe.
Compare with
safe vs sicher
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'safe' can both express that something is certain or that there is no danger. 'sicher' is the normal German word and fits in almost all situations, including formal texts. 'safe' comes from English and is often used colloquially in German, especially when you mean 'definitely' or 'for sure'. In technical or international contexts, 'safe' can also mean 'protected' in the English sense. Learners may confuse the words because they sound similar and partly overlap. If you want to speak neutrally and generally, 'sicher' is usually the better choice.
safe
Kommst du heute Abend mit? Das wird safe lustig.
Are you coming along tonight? It will definitely be fun.
sicher
Im Bus sind die Taschen sicher, wenn wir sie bei uns behalten.
On the bus, the bags are safe if we keep them with us.
In real life
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