01
der Fußgänger
pedestrian
A person who is traveling on foot, especially in road traffic.
example
Autofahrer müssen an Zebrastreifen für Fußgänger anhalten.
Drivers must stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings.
der Fußgänger
pedestrian
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Fuß' (foot) and 'Gänger' (walker/goer). A 'Gänger' is a person who walks or goes. A 'Fußgänger' (pedestrian) is therefore literally someone who goes on foot.
EXAMPLE
Als Fußgänger muss man im Stadtverkehr besonders aufpassen.
As a pedestrian, you have to be especially careful in city traffic.
Use in road traffic
The word 'Fußgänger' (pedestrian) is used almost exclusively in the context of road traffic to describe people who, unlike drivers, are traveling on foot.
EXAMPLE
Der Fußgänger überquerte die Straße bei Grün.
The pedestrian crossed the street when the light was green.
Typical compounds
'Fußgänger' (pedestrian) is often part of compound nouns related to road traffic, such as 'Fußgängerzone' (pedestrian zone), 'Fußgängerampel' (pedestrian traffic light), or 'Fußgängerüberweg' (pedestrian crossing).
EXAMPLE
In der Fußgängerzone dürfen keine Autos fahren.
No cars are allowed to drive in the pedestrian zone.
Compare with
Fußgänger vs Wanderer
hiker
'der Fußgänger' and 'der Wanderer' both refer to people who go on foot. The most important difference is the context. 'Fußgänger' is used especially in road traffic, in contrast to drivers or cyclists. 'Wanderer' is used when someone walks longer distances for pleasure, recreation, or as a sport, usually in nature. The words can be confused because both refer to people who are not driving or riding, but walking. As a practical rule: in the city and in traffic rules, 'Fußgänger' fits. On paths in the forest or in the mountains, 'Wanderer' fits.
Fußgänger
Der Autofahrer hält an, weil ein Fußgänger über die Straße geht.
The driver stops because a pedestrian is crossing the street.
Wanderer
Am Abend kehren die Wanderer müde von der Bergtour zurück.
In the evening, the hikers return tired from the mountain tour.
In real life
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