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 Passant
passerby
Fußgänger and Passant can refer to the same person traveling on foot. Fußgänger emphasizes their role in road traffic, while Passant emphasizes that they happen to be passing by a place. Use Fußgänger for traffic rules or paths, and Passant when someone is passing by on a street or in a square.
Fußgänger
Der Fußgänger wartet an der roten Ampel, bevor er die Straße überquert.
The pedestrian waits at the red light before crossing the street.
Passant
Ein Passant bleibt vor dem Schaufenster stehen und schaut hinein.
A passerby stops in front of the shop window and looks inside.
In real life
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