Spur
/ʃpuːr/
The German word for trace is Spur.
It is also frequently used in the adjective form spurlos to describe something that has happened or disappeared without leaving any trace.
Meaning: to follow the trail of (verb)
Which one should you use?
Spur is the singular form, while Spuren is the plural form used when referring to multiple traces.
How does it change in a sentence?
Spur is a feminine noun, so it is used with the feminine article die (die Spur). The plural form of Spur is Spuren.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃpuːr/
Did you know?
- The English word 'spoor' used for animal tracks is actually a loanword from Dutch spoor, which is a direct sibling to the German Spur.
- In a sporting context, Spur refers to a lane on a running track or a lane in bowling.
- The term Spur can also refer to a 'track' in a musical arrangement, such as a specific audio channel or track in a recording studio.
Examples in context
- Lasse keine Spuren zurück!Don't leave a trace.This sentence is useful for practicing the plural form Spuren.Tatoeba #2497762 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2497755 by zalaim
- Tom ist spurlos verschwunden.Tom disappeared without leaving a trace.This sentence shows how to use the adjective spurlos to mean without a trace.Tatoeba #1524094 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1026232 by CK
- Das Schiff verschwand ohne eine Spur.The ship disappeared without a trace.This sentence demonstrates how to use Spur to describe a lack of traces.Tatoeba #4947598 by l4t3, translation #4945644 by Hybrid
- Die forensischen Experten fanden Spuren des Täters am Tatort.The forensic experts found traces of the perpetrator at the crime scene.
- Der Abdruck des Reifens führte die Polizei direkt zum Fluchtfahrzeug.The tire trace led the police directly to the getaway vehicle.
- Hast du irgendeine Spur von meinen verlorenen Schlüsseln?Do you have any trace of my lost keys?
- Ein Hinweis führt oft zu weiteren Spuren.A clue often leads to further traces.
- Sie versuchte, ihre Spuren zu verwischen.She tried to erase her traces.
- Es gibt keine Hinweise darauf, wer den Einbruch verübt hat.There are no clues as to who committed the burglary.
- Die Ermittler fanden Abdrücke des Werkzeugs am Tatort.The investigators found tool imprints at the crime scene.
- Die Ausgrabungen brachten erstaunliche archäologische Spuren ans Licht.The excavations revealed astonishing archaeological traces.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are looking for their lost dog in the forest.
- LukasIch glaube, ich kann seine Spur finden.I think I can find his trail.
- LauraWo genau fängt die Spur an?Where exactly does the trail start?
- LukasHier im Matsch folgt sie der Spur.Here in the mud, it follows the trail.
- LauraDann lass uns schnell diese Spur verfolgen!Then let's follow this trail quickly!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Spur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Spur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
