Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reise | /ˈʁaɪ̯zə/ /ˈʁaɛ̯sɛ/ (Austria) |
feminine |
| Tour | /tuːr/ | feminine |
| Fahrt | /faːrt/ | feminine |
| Anreise | /ˈanˌʀaɪ̯zə/ | feminine |
In German, you choose your word based on whether you are talking about the entire vacation, a specific mode of transport or a guided route. The related verbs reisen and verreisen are used to describe the act of traveling or going away on a trip.
Which one should you use?
While Reise refers to the entire trip or vacation, Fahrt specifically refers to the act of traveling by vehicle, such as by car, train or bus. Anreise is used for the specific segment of travel that leads to a destination, like the trip to a hotel. Finally, Tour is used when the journey involves a specific route, a series of stops or a guided excursion.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are feminine nouns. The noun Reise takes the feminine article die in the nominative case. For verbs, reisen is used for the general act of traveling, while verreisen specifically means to go away on a trip, often implying that you will be away from home for a period of time.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁaɪ̯zə/
Did you know?
- The German word Fahrt shares a common ancient root with the English word 'fare' as in 'bus fare' or 'wayfarer'. Both stem from a Proto-Germanic word meaning 'to go' or 'to travel'.
- In German, Reise can be used as a metaphor for life, such as in the phrase die Reise des Lebens meaning 'the journey of life'.
- If you tell a German colleague Ich bin verreist, they will understand that you are away from home and likely unavailable, rather than just describing your movement.
Examples in context
- Wie war die Reise?How was the journey?This sentence is useful for asking how a journey was using Reise.Tatoeba #5686079 by eric2, translation #13723257 by glossboss
- Wie war eure Reise?How was your journey?Tatoeba #3702187 by Tamy, translation #13723254 by glossboss
- Wohin geht die Reise?Where is the journey taking us?This sentence is useful for asking about the direction of a journey using Reise.Tatoeba #2170691 by freddy1, translation #2170698 by freddy1
- Wir wünschen Ihnen eine angenehme FahrtWe wish you a pleasant journey.
- Wir machen eine Radtour am WochenendeWe're going on a bike ride this weekend.
- Wir planen einen Ausflug ins GrüneWe're planning a trip to the countryside.
- Wir freuen uns auf die große UnternehmungWe're looking forward to the big adventure.
- Der Geschäftsmann plant eine längere Geschäftsreise nach China.The businessman is planning a longer business trip to China.
- Meiner Mutter gefällt es, Kreuzfahrten zu machen.My mother enjoys going on cruises.
- 100 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are talking about a planned vacation.
- HannahWann beginnt deine Reise nach Italien?When does your trip to Italy begin?
- LukasDie Reise beginnt nächsten Montag.The journey begins next Monday.
- HannahWirst du lange dort bleiben?Will you stay there for a long time?
- LukasJa, die ganze Reise dauert zwei Wochen.Yes, the whole trip lasts two weeks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “journey” translations and entries Reise, Tour, Fahrt, Anreise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Anreise, Fahrt, Reise, Tour, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
