to pursue / walk
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to pursue
To choose and follow a particular path, method, or course in a figurative sense. This often refers to abstract concepts such as a career or an approach.
Das Unternehmen muss neue Wege beschreiten, um wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben.
The company must pursue new paths in order to remain competitive.
to walk
To walk on a surface or along a path; to enter a place. This meaning is elevated in style or becoming outdated.
Feierlich beschritt der König den roten Teppich.
The king solemnly walked down the red carpet.
'Beschreiten' (to pursue/walk) is an inseparable verb. It is based on the verb 'schreiten' (to walk solemnly), but the prefix 'be-' turns it into a transitive verb that always requires an accusative object.
Er hat in seiner Karriere viele verschiedene Wege beschritten.
He has pursued many different paths in his career.
This verb belongs to elevated written language. In normal everyday speech, you would be more likely to say 'gehen' (to go) or 'wählen' (to choose). 'Beschreiten' (to pursue/walk) sounds more formal and deliberate.
Die Regierung will einen neuen Kurs in der Umweltpolitik beschreiten.
The government wants to pursue a new course in environmental policy.
In its most common figurative meaning, 'beschreiten' (to pursue) is combined with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are 'neue Wege beschreiten' (to pursue new paths), 'den Rechtsweg beschreiten' (to take legal action), or 'einen Mittelweg beschreiten' (to take a middle path).
Wenn wir uns nicht einigen, müssen wir den Rechtsweg beschreiten.
If we cannot reach an agreement, we will have to take legal action.
The literal meaning 'gehen auf' (to walk on) is rare and very formal. You can recognize it by the fact that the object is a physical place or surface, such as 'die Bühne' (the stage), 'den Saal' (the hall), or 'den Teppich' (the carpet).
Die Absolventen beschritten nacheinander die Bühne, um ihre Zeugnisse zu erhalten.
The graduates walked onto the stage one after another to receive their certificates.
to commit / to celebrate
Begehen and beschreiten can both express walking along a specific path. Begehen is especially suitable when a site or route is entered and inspected. Beschreiten refers, in elevated language, to entering or walking along a path.
Nach der Eröffnung beschreiten die ersten Gäste feierlich den neuen Wanderweg.
After the opening, the first guests ceremonially walk along the new hiking trail.
Die Fachleute begehen den neuen Wanderweg, um seinen Zustand zu prüfen.
The experts are walking the new hiking trail to check its condition.
