durchqueren
to cross
To move from one side to the other through an area, room, or surface. The verb is inseparable.
EXAMPLE
Um nach Italien zu gelangen, müssen wir die Schweiz durchqueren.
To get to Italy, we have to cross Switzerland.
durchqueren
to cross
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Meanings
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Durchqueren' (to cross) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'durch-' always stays at the beginning of the verb, even in a main clause. The past participle is formed without 'ge-': 'hat durchquert' (has crossed).
EXAMPLE
Er hat den gesamten Kontinent mit dem Fahrrad durchquert.
He crossed the entire continent by bicycle.
Word composition
The verb is made up of 'durch' (through) and 'queren' (to cross). Its meaning is therefore very literal: to move across and through something.
EXAMPLE
Die Wandergruppe will den Fluss an einer flachen Stelle durchqueren.
The hiking group wants to cross the river at a shallow spot.
Sentence structure with accusative
The verb 'durchqueren' (to cross) always requires a direct object in the accusative that indicates what is being crossed. The question is: 'Wen oder was durchqueren?' (whom or what to cross?).
EXAMPLE
Die Touristen durchqueren die Altstadt zu Fuß.
The tourists cross the old town on foot.
Compare with
durchqueren vs passieren
to happen / pass
Both verbs can describe movement through an area. „Passieren“ can simply mean passing an important point or getting through. „Durchqueren“, on the other hand, emphasizes moving or traveling through the entire area from one side to the other.
durchqueren
Auf dem Weg zum See durchqueren wir den ganzen Park.
On our way to the lake, we cross the entire park.
passieren
Auf dem Weg zum See passieren wir den Eingang des Parks.
On our way to the lake, we pass the park entrance.
In real life
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