der Fußstapfen
footprint
The impression left by a foot on a soft surface.
EXAMPLE
Im frischen Schnee war ein einzelner tiefer Fußstapfen zu sehen.
A single deep footprint could be seen in the fresh snow.
der Fußstapfen
footprint / footsteps
der Fußstapfen, die Fußstapfen
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Meanings
in jemandes Fußstapfen treten
to follow in someone's footsteps
To continue another person's path or activity and follow their example.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Studium trat sie in die Fußstapfen ihrer Mutter und wurde Ärztin.
After graduating, she followed in her mother's footsteps and became a doctor.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Fußstapfen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Fußstapfen |
| genitive | des Fußstapfens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Fußstapfen | die Fußstapfen |
| accusative | den Fußstapfen | die Fußstapfen |
| dative | dem Fußstapfen | den Fußstapfen |
| genitive | des Fußstapfens | der Fußstapfen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word composition
'Fußstapfen' is made up of 'Fuß' (foot) and 'Stapfen' (footstep). The second component refers here to a visible track left when walking.
EXAMPLE
Im weichen Lehm waren die Fußstapfen deutlich zu erkennen.
The footprints were clearly visible in the soft clay.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'Fußstapfen' is often used with information about the surface or size, for example 'Fußstapfen im Schnee' (footprints in the snow) or 'große Fußstapfen' (large footprints).
EXAMPLE
Die frischen Fußstapfen führten vom Garten bis zur Haustür.
The fresh footprints led from the garden to the front door.
Fixed expression
The figurative meaning mainly appears in the fixed expression 'in jemandes Fußstapfen treten' (to follow in someone's footsteps). The person usually follows in the genitive or is introduced with 'von'; the expression is especially common when talking about professions, family roles, and role models.
EXAMPLE
Sein Sohn trat in die Fußstapfen des berühmten Dirigenten.
His son followed in the footsteps of the famous conductor.
In real life
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