01
weitergeben
to pass
To hand an object that you have received or are holding to another person.
example
Könntest du mir bitte das Salz weitergeben?
Could you please pass me the salt?
weitergeben
to pass on
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Weitergeben' (to pass on) is a separable verb. The prefix 'weiter' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Gibst du mir bitte die Butter weiter?
Could you please pass me the butter?
Structure of the verb
The verb is made up of the adverb 'weiter' (further/on) and the verb 'geben' (to give). The literal meaning is 'to pass further' or 'to convey further', which can be seen in all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die Tradition wird von Generation zu Generation weitergegeben.
The tradition is passed on from generation to generation.
Use with "an"
When you name the person who receives something, you use the preposition 'an' followed by the accusative. The pattern is: etwas an jemanden weitergeben (to pass something on to someone).
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer gab die korrigierten Tests an die Schüler weiter.
The teacher passed the corrected tests on to the students.
Typical collocations
In the context of communication, 'weitergeben' (to pass on) is often used with abstract things. Typical combinations are: eine Nachricht weitergeben (to pass on a message), eine Information weitergeben (to pass on information), einen Befehl weitergeben (to pass on an order), or Wissen weitergeben (to pass on knowledge).
EXAMPLE
Ich werde Ihre Anfrage an die zuständige Abteilung weitergeben.
I will pass your inquiry on to the responsible department.
Context: illnesses
In a medical context, 'weitergeben' (to pass on) means to infect someone. It is often used with words like 'eine Erkältung' (a cold), 'die Grippe' (the flu), or 'ein Virus' (a virus).
EXAMPLE
Tragen Sie eine Maske, um das Virus nicht an andere weiterzugeben.
Wear a mask so you don't pass the virus on to others.
Compare with
weitergeben vs reichen
to hand / to suffice
'reichen' and 'weitergeben' can both mean that an object moves from one person to another. 'reichen' usually describes the direct movement with the hand to a specific person. 'weitergeben' emphasizes that you have received something or have it with you and then give it to the next person. It fits especially well in a line or group. If one person is simply placing or handing something over to another person, 'reichen' is more natural. If something goes from person to person, 'weitergeben' is more precise.
weitergeben
Nach dem Lesen hat Lisa den Brief an ihren Bruder weitergegeben.
After reading it, Lisa passed the letter on to her brother.
reichen
Im Zug reicht die Fahrerin dem Kind die vergessene Mütze.
On the train, the driver hands the child the forgotten hat.
In real life
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