01
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
'passieren' and 'durchqueren' can both mean that you move past a place or through an area. 'passieren' fits especially when you leave a specific point behind you, for example a border, a gate, or a checkpoint. 'durchqueren' is used when you go or travel from one side of a larger area to the other, for example through a park, a city, or a country. Learners may confuse the words because both describe movement. As a guide: you use 'passieren' for a point; you use 'durchqueren' for an area.
durchqueren
Im Sommer durchqueren wir die Alpen mit dem Zug.
In the summer, we cross the Alps by train.
passieren
Nach kurzer Kontrolle passierte der Fahrer die Grenze.
After a brief check, the driver passed the border.
In real life
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