Wandern
/ˈvandɐn/
Hiking in German is Wandern.
Wandern is used as a noun to describe the activity of hiking itself. If you are referring specifically to long-distance hikes or hiking holidays in a more formal context, the term Fernwanderung is used.
Meaning: walking (noun)
Which one should you use?
While both involve walking, Wandern implies a more strenuous, nature-oriented activity like hiking, whereas spazierengehen refers to a casual, leisurely walk or stroll.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Wandern is derived from the verb wandern (to hike). In German, you will often see this verb used in the phrase wandern gehen, which means to go hiking.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvandɐn/
Did you know?
- The verb wandern shares an ancestral root with the English word 'wander', but in German it has evolved to mean a purposeful, structured activity rather than aimless movement.
- In the 19th century, Wandern became a symbol of political freedom and youth rebellion, particularly through the Wandervogel movement.
- In many German regions, hiking is often combined with 'Hütte' culture, where hikers visit mountain huts to eat hearty, traditional meals mid-hike.
Examples in context
- Ich bin wandern gegangen.I went hiking.This sentence is useful for expressing that you went hiking.Tatoeba #745573 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #255378 by CK
- Wie oft gehst du wandern?How often do you go hiking?This sentence is useful for asking how often someone goes hiking.Tatoeba #12747309 by Waldelfe, translation #10680453 by CK
- Tom und Maria gingen wandern.Tom and Mary went hiking.This sentence is useful for describing people who went hiking.Tatoeba #8980047 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7890354 by Hybrid
- Wir gehen gerne wandern.We enjoy hiking.
- Ich möchte an diesem Wochenende wandern gehen.I want to go hiking this weekend.
- Im Schwarzwald gibt es viele schöne Wanderwege.The Black Forest has many beautiful hiking trails.
- Meine nächste Fernwanderung führt mich durch die Alpen.My next long-distance hike takes me through the Alps.
- Ich plane eine Fernwanderung entlang des Rheins.I'm planning a long-distance hike along the Rhine.
- Ich liebe das Bergsteigen in den Alpen.I love hiking in the Alps.
- 65 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a trip to the mountains.
- LukasMöchtest du am Wochenende wandern?Do you want to go hiking this weekend?
- LauraJa, das Wandern in den Alpen ist toll.Yes, hiking in the Alps is great.
- LukasLaura, hast du deine Wanderschuhe?Laura, do you have your hiking boots?
- LauraJa, ich bin bereit für die Tour.Yes, I am ready for the tour.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Wandern, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry wandern.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries wandern, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
