der Abweg
side path
A path that leads away from the correct or direct route.
EXAMPLE
Der Wanderer nahm versehentlich einen Abweg und entfernte sich vom markierten Weg.
The hiker accidentally took a side path and strayed from the marked trail.
der Abweg
side path / wrong path
der Abweg, die Abwege
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Meanings
der Abweg
wrong path
A false or mistaken direction in one's thinking or actions.
EXAMPLE
Die Annahme, dass alle Probleme damit gelöst würden, ist ein gefährlicher Abweg.
The assumption that this would solve all the problems is a dangerous wrong path.
auf Abwege geraten
to go astray
To take the wrong direction or move away from correct behavior.
EXAMPLE
Durch schlechte Freunde geriet er auf Abwege.
He went astray because of bad friends.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Abweg, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Abwege |
| genitive | des Abweges |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Abweg | die Abwege |
| accusative | den Abweg | die Abwege |
| dative | dem Abweg | den Abwegen |
| genitive | des Abweges des Abwegs | der Abwege |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Abweg' (side path / wrong path) is made up of 'ab' (away) and 'Weg' (path). Literally, it means a path that leads away from a direct or correct direction; the figurative meanings also developed from this idea.
EXAMPLE
Hinter der Brücke begann ein schmaler Abweg durch den Wald.
Behind the bridge, a narrow side path began, leading through the forest.
Typical collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'Abweg' (wrong path) is often used with words related to thinking and judgment, for example 'ein gedanklicher Abweg' (a misguided line of thought), 'ein gefährlicher Abweg' (a dangerous wrong path), or 'jemanden auf Abwege führen' (to lead someone astray).
EXAMPLE
Die Behauptung, man könne ohne Lernen bestehen, führt ihn auf gefährliche Abwege.
The claim that one can pass without studying is leading him down a dangerous wrong path.
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf Abwege geraten' (to go astray) is usually used in the plural and without an article. It often describes a prolonged departure from appropriate behavior or a suitable goal.
EXAMPLE
Nach mehreren schlechten Entscheidungen geriet der junge Mann auf Abwege.
After several bad decisions, the young man went astray.
In real life
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