to cut through / to cut across
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to cut through
To completely separate something into two or more parts with a sharp object such as a knife or scissors.
Zum Öffnen des Pakets müssen Sie das Klebeband durchschneiden.
To open the package, you need to cut through the tape.
to cut across
To cross a surface or area and thereby divide it into parts.
Die neue Bahnstrecke durchschneidet das gesamte Tal.
The new railway line cuts across the entire valley.
This verb has a dual nature. It is separable when it literally means 'in zwei Teile schneiden' (to cut into two parts). It is inseparable when it means 'ein Gebiet durchqueren' (to cross an area).
Er schneidet das rote Band mit einer Schere durch.
He cuts through the red ribbon with scissors.
When the verb is separable (literal meaning), the prefix 'durch' comes at the end in a main clause. In the infinitive with 'zu', it becomes 'durchzuschneiden'.
Schneidest du den Kuchen bitte für die Gäste durch?
Could you cut through the cake for the guests, please?
The inseparable form is often used in geographical or planning contexts. A linear object (river, road, border) crosses a surface or area (valley, city, country).
Ein kleiner Bach durchschneidet die Wiese.
A small stream cuts across the meadow.
to cross
Durchqueren and durchschneiden can both express movement through an area from one side to the other. Durchqueren describes only the route, whereas durchschneiden additionally emphasizes that the area is divided into separate parts as a result. Use durchqueren for a neutral crossing and durchschneiden for a dividing line through an area.
Die neue Straße durchschneidet den Wald von Osten nach Westen und teilt ihn in zwei Teile.
The new road cuts through the forest from east to west and divides it into two parts.
Der Wanderweg durchquert den Wald von Osten nach Westen.
The hiking trail crosses the forest from east to west.
