Weg
[veːk]masculine
The English word 'trail' can be translated into German as Weg. Wiktionary also lists Trail.
Meaning: route for travel over land (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weg | [veːk] (standard, narrow) [veːç] (narrow) |
masculine |
| Trail | /trɛɪ̯l/ | masculine |
A Weg refers to a route for travel over land. If you are specifically describing a hiking trail, the term Wanderweg is more common and specific. For a narrow, often informal trail, you can use Trampelpfad.
Which one should you use?
Weg is the standard German word used for a path, way or route. In contrast, the loanword Trail is used in modern German specifically to refer to hiking or mountain trails.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The English loanword Trail is used colloquially within outdoor communities to describe a specific hiking or mountain biking trail. Pfädchen is an informal diminutive of Pfad that implies a small or narrow trail.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany and Austria, the term Steig is used to refer to a mountain trail or steep path.
Related words
Did you know?
- While Weg means 'trail' or 'way' as a noun, the adverb weg means 'away'.
- The word Trampelpfad literally translates to 'trample path', describing a trail created by the feet of animals or people.
- The English word 'away' actually hides a connection to the German word Weg, stemming from the Middle High German form 'enwec'.
Examples in context
- Ich glaube, dieser Weg führt zum Wasserfall.I think this trail leads to the waterfall.This sentence shows how to use Weg to describe where a trail leads.Tatoeba #11982892 by Naina, translation #11980596 by shekitten
- Der Weg endete.The trail ended.This sentence uses Weg to describe the end of a trail.Tatoeba #12328963 by mayabe, translation #11846239 by Amastan
- Wohin führt dieser Weg?Where does this trail go?This sentence uses Weg to ask about the direction of a trail.Tatoeba #7060537 by raggione, translation #3824387 by CK
- Ich gehe gerne auf dem Wanderweg spazieren.I enjoy walking on the hiking trail.
- Dieses Pfädchen führt uns zu einem versteckten Ort in der Natur.This narrow trail leads us to a hidden spot in nature.
- Nimm den Pfad links neben dem Bach.Take the path to the left of the stream.
- In den bayerischen Alpen gibt es viele schöne Steige.There are many beautiful mountain trails in the Bavarian Alps.
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are hiking in the mountains.
- FelixIst dieser Weg sicher?Is this trail safe?
- HannahJa, der Weg ist sehr gut markiert.Yes, the trail is very well marked.
- FelixDann folgen wir einfach diesem Weg.Then we will just follow this trail.
- HannahGute Idee, Felix.Good idea, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trail” translations and entries Weg, Trail, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Trail, Weg, weg, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
