How to Say “No Smoking” in German
The Standard Phrase: “Rauchen verboten”
The most common and widely recognized way to say “no smoking” in German is “Rauchen verboten”. This phrase literally translates to “smoking forbidden” and is used on signs, in public places, and in official contexts throughout German-speaking countries.
- Rauchen = smoking
- verboten = forbidden
Alternative Expressions
While “Rauchen verboten” is the standard, there are other ways to express the same idea:
- Nicht rauchen – Don’t smoke (informal and direct, often used in spoken language)
- Hier darf nicht geraucht werden – Smoking is not allowed here (more formal and passive, sometimes used on official notices)
- Rauchen untersagt – Smoking prohibited (less common but still understood)
Where You’ll See “No Smoking” Signs in Germany
As a visitor or a new resident, you’ll encounter “Rauchen verboten” signs in various locations:
- Public transportation (buses, trains, subway stations)
- Restaurants, cafés, and bars (especially indoors)
- Hotels and accommodation facilities
- Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers
- Schools and universities
- Offices and workplaces
Germany has strict regulations regarding smoking in public areas, so it’s important to recognize and respect these signs.
How to Politely Ask Someone Not to Smoke in German
If you need to ask someone not to smoke, you can use polite phrases such as:
- Könnten Sie bitte nicht rauchen? – Could you please not smoke?
- Entschuldigung, hier ist das Rauchen verboten. – Excuse me, smoking is forbidden here.
- Darf ich Sie bitten, hier nicht zu rauchen? – May I ask you not to smoke here?
Using polite language is important in German culture, especially when addressing strangers or in formal settings.
Tips for Remembering and Using the Phrase
- Associate the word verboten with “forbidden” to help recall its meaning.
- Practice reading and saying the phrase aloud: “Rauchen verboten”.
- Look for the phrase on public signs and notice how it’s used in context.
- Use the Talkpal AI app to practice pronunciation and role-play scenarios involving smoking restrictions.
Common Variations You Might Encounter
Depending on the region or the formality of the environment, you may see slight variations of the no smoking message:
- Das Rauchen ist nicht gestattet – Smoking is not permitted
- Rauchverbot – Smoking ban (often used as a headline on signs)
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “no smoking” in German is a valuable skill for travelers, expats, and language learners alike. The phrase “Rauchen verboten” is universally recognized and will help you navigate public spaces with confidence. Whether you’re reading signs or communicating directly, knowing these expressions will enhance your German vocabulary and cultural awareness. For more practical German phrases and interactive learning tips, explore the resources on the Talkpal AI language learning blog.
