01
Vollgas geben
to go full throttle
To drive a vehicle at maximum speed by pressing the accelerator pedal all the way down.
example
Sobald er auf der Autobahn war, gab er Vollgas.
As soon as he was on the highway, he went full throttle.
das Vollgas
full throttle
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'voll' (full) and 'Gas' (gas/throttle). Its literal meaning is therefore to press a vehicle's accelerator pedal all the way down.
EXAMPLE
Der Rennfahrer gab auf der Zielgeraden Vollgas.
The race car driver went full throttle on the final straight.
Fixed expression
'Vollgas' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'Vollgas geben' (to go full throttle / to go all out). The noun on its own without the verb 'geben' (to give) is very rare.
EXAMPLE
In der letzten Woche vor der Prüfung müssen wir nochmal richtig Vollgas geben.
In the last week before the exam, we really have to go all out again.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If people are talking about work, sports, studying, or projects, it means putting in full energy. If the topic is vehicles, the literal meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft hat im Finale von Anfang an Vollgas gegeben.
The team went all out from the very beginning in the final.
Register and style
The figurative expression 'Vollgas geben' (to go all out) belongs more to colloquial and informal language. It is often used in motivational contexts at work or in sports.
EXAMPLE
Kommt, Leute, lasst uns Vollgas geben, dann schaffen wir das heute noch!
Come on, everyone, let's go all out, and then we'll still get this done today!
Compare with
Vollgas vs Einsatz
operation / effort / use
'der Einsatz' and 'Vollgas geben' can both mean that someone puts a lot of energy into a task. 'Einsatz' is a normal noun and fits many situations, including factual or official contexts. 'Vollgas geben' (to go all out) is a figurative and rather colloquial expression. It emphasizes that someone is working with maximum energy and at a high pace. Learners may confuse them because both express strong effort. 'Einsatz' sounds calmer and more general; 'Vollgas geben' sounds dynamic and fits well when things become fast and intense.
Vollgas
In der letzten Woche vor der Prüfung gibt Lena noch einmal Vollgas.
In the last week before the exam, Lena goes all out once more.
Einsatz
Für die Prüfung hat ihr Einsatz sich am Ende gelohnt.
For the exam, her effort paid off in the end.
In real life
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