FC Bayern genießt den Wiesn-Besuch nach Kantersieg

What does “gemäßigtem Gas” mean in German?

A Bayern player is at Oktoberfest after a big win. He says they’ll enjoy the day “mit gemäßigtem Gas” — with moderate gas. “Gas” is the car pedal, “gemäßigt” means held back, so together it pictures someone keeping the engine running but not going full speed. He’s having fun, but holding back a bit because the team plays again in two days. His point: enjoy yourself, just don’t overdo it.

In the clip: “Deswegen mit gemäßigtem Gas, aber trotzdem dürfen wir bissel auch Spaß haben.” — “So, at a moderate pace, but we’re still allowed to have a bit of fun.” “Gas geben” means to step on the gas / go full speed, so “gemäßigtes Gas” is the gentler version. More examples: “Heute feiern wir mit gemäßigtem Gas, morgen ist Arbeit.” (Tonight we celebrate, but easy — work tomorrow.) “Wir machen weiter, aber mit gemäßigtem Gas.” (We keep going, just at a calmer pace.) You’ll usually hear it when someone is enjoying something but staying a little careful. It’s a casual, situational phrase.