die Welt erkunden
The English phrase "explore the world" is translated into German as die Welt erkunden.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the definite article die (the), the noun Welt (world) and the verb erkunden (to explore).
Which one should you use?
While erkunden implies a systematic or thorough exploration of a place, the related phrase die Welt entdecken is used when you discover something for the first time or find something previously unknown. If you specifically mean traveling through the world rather than the more academic or physical act of exploring or surveying it, die Welt bereisen is a more natural choice.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an infinitive with zu (for example, in the sentence 'Es ist mein Traum, die Welt zu erkunden'), the zu is placed immediately before the verb erkunden.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Welt can be used in the phrase Weltanschauung, which describes a person's comprehensive world view or fundamental cognitive orientation.
- In historical German texts, the word Welt was written as wëralt, which more literally referred to the 'age' or 'era' of human existence.
- The verb erkunden is often associated with the 'Wanderlust' culture, a uniquely German concept describing a strong desire to travel and explore the world.
Examples in context
- Ich will die Welt erkunden, das ist mein Traum.I want to explore the world. It’s my dream.Tatoeba #10329671 by Yorwba, translation #8986739 by Ricardo14
- Ich möchte die Welt erkunden.I want to explore the world.
- Lass uns gemeinsam die Welt entdecken!Let's explore the world together!
- Hast du schon einmal darüber nachgedacht, die Welt zu erforschen?Have you ever thought about exploring the world?
- Es ist dein Traum, mal die Welt zu erkunden – warum wartest du noch?It's your dream to explore the world – why are you waiting?
- Wir haben vor, die Welt zu entdecken und unvergessliche Abenteuer zu erleben.We plan to explore the world and experience unforgettable adventures.
- Wir wollen gemeinsam die Welt erkunden.We want to explore the world together.
- Sie möchte nach dem Studium die Welt erkunden.She wants to explore the world after her studies.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are talking about their future plans.
- JulianWas willst du nach dem Studium machen, Laura?What do you want to do after your studies, Laura?
- LauraIch möchte erst einmal die Welt erkunden.First of all, I want to explore the world.
- JulianDas klingt nach einem super Plan!That sounds like a great plan!
- LauraKommst du mit, Julian?Are you coming along, Julian?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
