die Vorsicht
caution
An attentive and careful attitude in order to avoid possible dangers, risks, or mistakes.
EXAMPLE
Bitte fahren Sie mit äußerster Vorsicht, die Straße ist vereist.
Please drive with extreme caution; the road is icy.
die Vorsicht
caution
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Meanings
Vorsicht!
Watch out!
An exclamation that serves as a warning of an immediate danger.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht! Der Boden ist rutschig.
Watch out! The floor is slippery.
Usage tips
Word family
'Vorsicht' (caution) belongs to the word family of 'vorsehen' (to beware/provide for). It describes the quality you have when you 'sich vorsehen' (beware) of something, that is, when you are forward-looking and attentive.
EXAMPLE
Aus reiner Vorsicht hat er die Daten doppelt gesichert.
Out of pure caution, he backed up the data twice.
Typical collocations
'Vorsicht' (caution) is often used in fixed expressions. Common combinations are 'Vorsicht ist geboten' (caution is advised), 'zur Vorsicht raten' (to advise caution), or 'mit Vorsicht genießen' (to take with a grain of salt / to enjoy with caution).
EXAMPLE
Bei diesen Gerüchten ist Vorsicht geboten.
Caution is advised with these rumors.
Use as an exclamation
As an exclamation, 'Vorsicht!' (Watch out!) is used to warn someone directly about an immediate danger. A short explanation of the danger often follows.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, eine Stufe!
Watch out, a step!
Compare with
Vorsicht vs Achtung
respect / attention
Achtung and Vorsicht can both be used as warnings. Achtung mainly draws attention to a danger or important situation. Vorsicht also serves as a warning, but emphasizes more strongly that the person should act carefully because of the immediate danger.
Vorsicht
Vorsicht, geh auf dem nassen Boden langsam!
Watch out, walk slowly on the wet floor!
Achtung
Achtung, der Boden ist nass!
Attention, the floor is wet!
In real life
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