01
das Geleit
escort
An accompaniment that serves to protect a person or transport, or to show honor.
example
Der Geldtransporter erhielt ein polizeiliches Geleit bis zur Bank.
The armored cash transport received a police escort to the bank.
das Geleit
escort
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word structure
'Geleit' is derived from the verb 'leiten' (to lead, to guide, to accompany). The prefix 'Ge-' here suggests an action or a group that carries out this action.
EXAMPLE
Der Bergführer leitete die Gruppe sicher ins Tal.
The mountain guide led the group safely into the valley.
Typical collocations
You can 'bekommen' (get) or 'erhalten' (receive) 'Geleit' (an escort). An action can also take place 'unter Geleit' (under escort), which means that it is accompanied.
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge wurde unter Polizeischutz zum Gericht gebracht und erhielt dort ständiges Geleit.
The witness was brought to court under police protection and received constant escort there.
Fixed expression
The expression 'jemandem das Geleit geben' (to escort someone) is a fixed idiom. The person being accompanied is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich gebe dir bis zur Haustür das Geleit.
I'll escort you as far as the front door.
Context clue: funeral
In the context of a funeral, the expression is often strengthened with the adjective 'letzte' (last/final): 'jemandem das letzte Geleit geben' (to pay someone one's final respects). This means symbolically accompanying the deceased on their final journey.
EXAMPLE
Familie und Freunde gaben der Verstorbenen das letzte Geleit.
Family and friends paid the deceased woman their final respects.
Compare with
Geleit vs begleiten
to accompany
'begleiten' and 'das Geleit' both have to do with going or traveling along with a person. 'begleiten' is the normal verb for many everyday situations: you accompany someone to the doctor, to the train station, or home. 'das Geleit' is a noun and sounds much more formal or ceremonial. It is often used when protection, honor, or a farewell is important, especially in the expression 'jemandem das Geleit geben' (to escort someone / to accompany someone on their way). Learners may confuse the words because both have the same basic idea. In everyday language, people usually say 'begleiten'. 'Geleit' is more suitable in fixed expressions or in serious and ceremonial situations.
Geleit
Viele Freunde gaben dem Verstorbenen das letzte Geleit.
Many friends paid their final respects to the deceased.
begleiten
Ich begleite meinen Nachbarn zum Bahnhof, weil er den Weg nicht kennt.
I am accompanying my neighbor to the train station because he doesn't know the way.
In real life
Loading video examples...