01
der Gehweg
sidewalk
A paved path for pedestrians, usually located at the side of a street and separated from the roadway.
example
Bitte parken Sie Ihr Auto nicht auf dem Gehweg.
Please do not park your car on the sidewalk.
der Gehweg
sidewalk
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
'Gehweg' (sidewalk) is a compound noun made from the verb 'gehen' (to go/walk) and the noun 'der Weg' (the path/way). So it is literally a 'path for walking.'
EXAMPLE
Kinder sollten lernen, immer auf dem Gehweg zu bleiben.
Children should learn to always stay on the sidewalk.
Regional variants
There are common alternatives to 'der Gehweg' (the sidewalk) in other German-speaking countries. In Austria, 'der Gehsteig' is common, while in Switzerland 'das Trottoir' is often used.
EXAMPLE
In Wien nennt man den Gehweg oft Gehsteig.
In Vienna, people often call the sidewalk Gehsteig.
Preposition and case
With the preposition 'auf' (on/onto), you have to pay attention to the case. 'Auf dem Gehweg' (on the sidewalk, dative) describes a position, while 'auf den Gehweg' (onto the sidewalk, accusative) describes movement.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielen auf dem Gehweg.
The children are playing on the sidewalk.
Typical collocations
Common verbs in connection with 'Gehweg' (sidewalk) are 'den Gehweg benutzen' (to use the sidewalk), 'den Gehweg freihalten' (to keep the sidewalk clear), or, as a prohibition, 'auf dem Gehweg fahren/parken' (to drive/park on the sidewalk).
EXAMPLE
Im Winter muss der Gehweg von Schnee und Eis befreit werden.
In winter, the sidewalk must be cleared of snow and ice.
Compare with
Gehweg vs Radweg
bike path
'der Radweg' and 'der Gehweg' are both part of the street area and are often located next to the roadway. But the difference is important: a 'Radweg' is intended for bicycles, while a 'Gehweg' is for pedestrians. Learners may confuse the words because both paths can be next to the road and look similar. Pay attention to the first part of the word: 'Rad' points to a bicycle, and 'Geh' to walking.
Gehweg
Vor unserem Haus ist der Gehweg sehr schmal.
The sidewalk in front of our house is very narrow.
Radweg
Heute ist der Radweg wegen einer Baustelle gesperrt.
Today the bike path is closed because of construction work.
In real life
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