Wegbeschreibung
In German, directions is translated as Wegbeschreibung.
Wegbeschreibung is used when you are looking for instructions on how to find a specific location or navigate a route. When navigating, you may encounter helpful terms such as Links (left), Geradeaus (straight ahead), Hier (here), Am Ende (at the end), An der Ecke (at the corner) and Neben (next to or beside).
Meaning: instructions (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Weg, meaning way or path and Beschreibung, meaning description.
Which one should you use?
Use Wegbeschreibung specifically for directions used to find a location. If you are referring to instructions or a manual for how to use or assemble something, use the word Anleitung instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Wegbeschreibung, and the plural form is Wegbeschreibungen.
When do people say it?
If you did not catch the directions provided to you, you can politely ask, Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? (Could you please repeat that?).
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'directions' can mean orders given by a boss, a German Wegbeschreibung can never be used for authority. To give 'directions' in a professional sense, Germans use Anweisungen.
- When following a Wegbeschreibung, you might encounter the word umsteigen, which means to change trains or buses. This specific term is essential for directions in German cities but has no single-word equivalent in English.
- While Wegbeschreibung is for navigation, Germans use the word Richtungen for cardinal directions like north and south. Using Wegbeschreibung when asking which way is north would sound like you are asking for a detailed map of the journey.
Examples in context
- Wir brauchen eine Wegbeschreibung.We need directions.This sentence shows how to express a need for a Wegbeschreibung.Tatoeba #2610750 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10516009 by sundown
- Laut Wegbeschreibung müssen wir links abbiegen.The directions say we should turn left.This sentence demonstrates how to use a Wegbeschreibung to follow a specific instruction.Tatoeba #11526545 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10652746 by sundown
- Kannst du mir vielleicht noch eine Wegbeschreibung schicken?Could you possibly also send me directions?This sentence is useful for asking someone to send a Wegbeschreibung to you.Tatoeba #3752383 by Jens_Odo, translation #14055112 by althead
- Entschuldigen Sie bitte, können Sie mir den Weg zum Bahnhof erklären?Excuse me, can you please explain the way to the train station?
- Ja, natürlich! Gehen Sie hier geradeaus, biegen Sie dann links ab und der Bahnhof ist am Ende der Straße.Yes, of course! Go straight ahead here, then turn left, and the train station is at the end of the street.
- Kannst du mir den Weg zur Alten Brücke erklären?Can you explain the way to the Old Bridge?
- Klar! Du gehst hier geradeaus und biegst dann rechts ab. Die Alte Brücke ist direkt neben dem Rathaus.Sure! You go straight ahead here and then turn right. The Old Bridge is right next to the town hall.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are lost in a new city.
- LukasJulia, hast du die Wegbeschreibung?Julia, do you have the directions?
- JuliaJa, ich habe sie auf meinem Handy.Yes, I have them on my phone.
- LukasKönntest du sie mir bitte zeigen?Could you please show them to me?
- JuliaKlar, schau mal hier.Sure, look here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
