das  Vollgas

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɔlˌɡaːs/

🏎️ What Exactly Does "das Vollgas" Mean?

"Das Vollgas" describes two main concepts in German:

1. Literal Meaning: The maximum fuel supply in an internal combustion engine, i.e., pressing the accelerator pedal fully down. This leads to the highest possible acceleration or speed of the vehicle. Imagine flooring the gas pedal!
2. Figurative Meaning: Maximum effort, highest exertion, or speed in any activity. It's often used to express that someone or something is acting with full energy, determination, or intensity.

It's a very common word, especially in informal contexts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of Vollgas: A Closer Look

"Vollgas" is a neuter noun, taking the article das. It is mostly used in the singular, as it's often treated as an uncountable concept (maximum power/effort). A plural form exists formally ("die Vollgase"), but it's extremely rare and hardly ever used.

Here's the declension in the singular:

⚠️ The genitive case can also be formed without "-es", especially in spoken language.

Example Sentences

• Der Fahrer gab auf der Autobahn Vollgas. (The driver went full throttle on the highway.)
• Für dieses Projekt müssen wir jetzt Vollgas geben! (We have to give it our all for this project now! / Go full throttle!)
• Mit Vollgas raste der Sportwagen davon. (The sports car sped away at full throttle.)
• Nach der Pause starteten die Athleten wieder mit vollem Gas. (After the break, the athletes started again at full tilt. - alternative phrasing)

🚀 When and How to Use "Vollgas"?

"Vollgas" is a dynamic word often used in situations requiring speed, energy, or maximum effort.

• In traffic: "Er überholte mit Vollgas." (He overtook at full throttle.) This uses the literal meaning.
• In sports: "Die Mannschaft gab im letzten Viertel Vollgas." (The team went all out in the final quarter.) This refers to maximum effort.
• At work / in project management: "Wir müssen Vollgas geben, um die Deadline einzuhalten." (We have to go full throttle to meet the deadline.) Meaning: Work with full force.
• Generally for enthusiasm/engagement: "Sie stürzt sich mit Vollgas in jedes neue Hobby." (She throws herself into every new hobby with full gusto/energy.) Meaning: With great enthusiasm and energy.

Typical Collocations:

• Vollgas geben: The most common usage, meaning "to give it one's all," "to go full throttle," or "to accelerate maximally."
• mit Vollgas: Describes the manner in which something is done (at full speed/effort).

Distinction: While "Geschwindigkeit" (speed) is neutral, "Vollgas" always implies reaching or striving for the maximum.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Vollgas"

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das Auto (the car) or das Pedal (the pedal). When you press das Pedal down fully, you give das Vollgas. Technical, neutral things are often 'das'.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a glass that is voll (full) of Gas (gasoline/fuel). When it's voll, the engine delivers maximum power = Vollgas! Full energy!

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

Caution: Don't confuse it with "Gas" alone, which can refer to the fuel (gasoline) or the state of matter (gas).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Fahrlehrer den Schüler: "Was machen Sie, wenn vor Ihnen plötzlich ein Zebra auftaucht?"
Schüler: "Vollgas geben, damit es aussieht wie ein Strichcode!"
Fahrlehrer: "Ähm... vielleicht doch eher bremsen?"

Translation:

Driving instructor asks the student: "What do you do if a zebra suddenly appears in front of you?"
Student: "Go full throttle, so it looks like a barcode!"
Instructor: "Um... perhaps braking would be better?"

📜 Full Throttle in Verse

Das Pedal sinkt tief,
Der Motor brüllt auf,
Das Vollgas, der Rausch im Lauf.
Kilometer fliegen,
Die Landschaft verwischt,
Wenn man mit voller Kraft erwischt.

Auch im Leben, im Job, im Spiel,
Gibst du Vollgas, erreichst dein Ziel.
Mit Energie und Mut,
Wird alles gut!

Translation:

The pedal sinks deep,
The engine roars awake,
Full throttle, the rush in its wake.
Kilometers fly,
The landscape blurs past,
When caught with full power, so fast.

Also in life, in job, in game,
Give full throttle, reach your aim.
With energy and might,
Everything turns out right!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe kein Pferd, doch gebe die Sporen,
bin weder Athlet, noch zum Sprinten geboren.
Ich bring dich ans Limit, mit Dröhnen und Kraft,
ob auf Asphaltpisten oder wenn Arbeit dich schafft.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: das Vollgas)

Translation:

I have no horse, yet I give the spurs,
I'm no athlete, nor born for sprinting flurries.
I take you to the limit, with roar and might,
on asphalt tracks or when work feels tight.

What am I? (Answer: das Vollgas / full throttle)

ℹ️ More Things to Know

Word Composition:

"Vollgas" is a compound noun, composed of:

• voll: Adjective meaning "full", "complete", "maximum".
• das Gas: Noun, here in the sense of "fuel" or "accelerator pedal".

So the combination literally means "full gas (pedal)" or "maximum fuel supply".

Cultural Significance: The expression "Vollgas geben" (to give full throttle) is deeply embedded in everyday German language and often symbolizes drive, determination, and the will to get something done quickly and energetically.