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
weiterfahren
to keep driving
To drive past a certain point, turnoff, or possible stopping point without stopping.
EXAMPLE
Fahren Sie an der nächsten Ampel nicht rechts, sondern fahren Sie einfach geradeaus weiter.
At the next traffic light, don't turn right; just keep driving straight ahead.
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 durchfahren
to drive through / pass through
Weiterfahren emphasizes continuing the journey without stopping at a possible stopping point or turnoff. Durchfahren, by contrast, emphasizes crossing an entire area, place, or route from one end to the other.
weiterfahren
An der nächsten Abzweigung fahren wir geradeaus weiter.
At the next turnoff, we will continue straight ahead.
durchfahren
Danach durchfahren wir das kleine Dorf, ohne anzuhalten.
After that, we will drive through the small village without stopping.
In real life
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