01
weiterfahren
to drive on
To continue a journey by vehicle after an interruption or stop.
example
Nach einer kurzen Kaffeepause am Rastplatz sind wir weitergefahren.
After a short coffee break at the rest stop, we drove on.
weiterfahren
to drive on
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Weiterfahren' (to drive on) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'weiter' goes at the end, while in a subordinate clause and in the infinitive it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Wir fahren nach der Pause sofort weiter.
We will drive on immediately after the break.
Auxiliary verb in the perfect tense
Since 'weiterfahren' (to drive on) describes movement, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). So the correct form is 'ich bin weitergefahren' (I drove on / I have driven on).
EXAMPLE
Obwohl es schon dunkel war, sind wir noch eine Stunde weitergefahren.
Although it was already dark, we drove on for another hour.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the context. 'Weiterfahren' (to drive on) after a break means to continue the journey. 'Weiterfahren' (to keep driving) at a place means not to stop there, but to drive past it.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben kurz getankt und sind dann weitergefahren.
We briefly filled up with gas and then drove on.
Compare with
weiterfahren vs halten
to hold
'halten' and 'weiterfahren' are clear opposites when talking about vehicles. 'halten' means that a vehicle stops or comes to a halt. 'weiterfahren' means that the journey continues or that someone does not stop at a possible stopping point. When the bus 'hält' (stops), people get on or off. When it 'weiterfährt' (drives on), it keeps moving and does not stop.
weiterfahren
Nach einer kurzen Pause fahren wir weiter Richtung München.
After a short break, we drive on toward Munich.
halten
Der Bus hält an der nächsten Haltestelle.
The bus stops at the next stop.
In real life
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