der Holzweg
woodland path
A path in the forest that was originally used to transport wood.
EXAMPLE
Der Holzweg führt tief in den Wald hinein.
The woodland path leads deep into the forest.
der Holzweg
woodland path / wrong track
der Holzweg, die Holzwege
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Meanings
auf dem Holzweg sein
to be on the wrong track
To be mistaken or to head in the wrong direction when considering something or searching for an answer.
EXAMPLE
Mit deiner Vermutung bist du völlig auf dem Holzweg.
You're completely on the wrong track with your assumption.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Holzweg, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Holzwege |
| genitive | des Holzweges |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Holzweg | die Holzwege |
| accusative | den Holzweg | die Holzwege |
| dative | dem Holzweg | den Holzwegen |
| genitive | des Holzweges des Holzwegs | der Holzwege |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Holzweg' is made up of 'Holz' (wood) and 'Weg' (path). Its literal meaning is therefore a path connected with wood or used to transport wood.
EXAMPLE
Früher brachte man das Holz über den schmalen Holzweg aus dem Wald.
In the past, people carried the wood out of the forest along the narrow woodland path.
Fixed expression
In its figurative meaning, 'auf dem Holzweg sein' (to be on the wrong track) refers to a mistaken assumption or heading in the wrong direction while searching for something. 'jemanden auf den Holzweg führen' (to lead someone onto the wrong track) is also a common fixed expression.
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser Erklärung führst du die ganze Gruppe auf den Holzweg.
With this explanation, you are leading the whole group onto the wrong track.
Context clue
The figurative meaning can often be recognized from verbs such as 'sein' (to be), 'sich befinden' (to be located / to find oneself), or 'führen' (to lead), as well as from topics such as assumptions, explanations, and solutions. When the context refers to forests, transportation, or a path, the literal meaning is usually intended.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Suche nach dem Fehler war das Team lange auf dem Holzweg.
The team was on the wrong track for a long time while searching for the error.
In real life
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