der Weg
path, way, route · way, method, manner
Der Weg means 'the way' or 'the path'. It refers to a route, a path, or a method. It is a very common word in German, used both literally and figuratively.
What Weg means
- path, way, route — When talking about a physical path or a route to a destination.
- way, method, manner — When talking about a way of doing something or a method.
Example sentences
- Der Weg zum Bahnhof ist nicht weit.The way to the train station is not far.
- Wir müssen einen anderen Weg finden.We have to find another way.
- Kennen Sie den Weg?Do you know the way?
- Das ist der beste Weg, Deutsch zu lernen.That's the best way to learn German.
Grammar
| Gender | masculine |
|---|---|
| Plural | die Wege |
| Genitive | des Weges / des Wegs |
| Declension note | Weak noun? No, it's a strong noun. Singular: der Weg, des Weges/dem Weg/den Weg. Plural: die Wege, der Wege, den Wegen, die Wege. |
The genitive singular can be 'des Weges' or 'des Wegs', both are correct.
Common phrases
- auf dem Wegon the way
- sich auf den Weg machento set off, to head out
- aus dem Weg gehento get out of the way, to avoid
- den Weg ebnento pave the way
- Weg und Stegeverywhere, all over the place
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often confuse 'Weg' (way) with 'weg' (away). The noun 'Weg' is capitalized and has a long 'e' sound, while the adverb 'weg' is lowercase and has a short 'e' sound.
Don’t confuse it with
- weg — 'Weg' (capitalized) is a noun meaning 'way' or 'path'; 'weg' (lowercase) is an adverb meaning 'away' or 'gone'.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'Weg' and 'weg'?
'Weg' (capitalized) is a masculine noun meaning 'way' or 'path'. 'weg' (lowercase) is an adverb meaning 'away' or 'gone'. They are pronounced differently: the noun has a long 'e' sound, the adverb a short 'e'.
How do you say 'on the way' in German?
You say 'auf dem Weg'. For example: 'Ich bin auf dem Weg nach Hause' (I am on the way home).
What is the plural of 'Weg'?
The plural is 'die Wege'. For example: 'Viele Wege führen nach Rom' (Many roads lead to Rome).