corridor / swath
die Schneise, die Schneisen
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corridor
A long, narrow strip in a forest where the trees have been removed. It can serve, for example, as a path, a boundary, or protection against the spread of fire.
Für die Stromleitung wurde eine breite Schneise durch den Wald geschlagen.
A wide corridor was cut through the forest for the power line.
swath
An elongated gap or clear path created in an otherwise closed area or mass, often through destruction.
Der Tornado hinterließ eine Schneise der Verwüstung in der Stadt.
The tornado left a swath of devastation through the city.
to blaze a trail
Figuratively: to create access or open a path for further steps in a difficult or confusing area.
Mit ihrem Leitfaden schlägt die Autorin eine Schneise durch das Dickicht der Steuervorschriften.
With her guide, the author blazes a trail through the thicket of tax regulations.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schneisen |
| genitive | der Schneise |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Schneise | die Schneisen |
| accusative | die Schneise | die Schneisen |
| dative | der Schneise | den Schneisen |
| genitive | der Schneise | der Schneisen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
When it refers to a strip cleared through a forest, 'Schneise' is often used with verbs such as 'schlagen' (to cut), 'anlegen' (to create), or 'freihalten' (to keep clear). 'durch' (through) with the accusative often indicates the area through which the corridor runs.
Für die neue Seilbahn wurde eine Schneise durch den Bergwald geschlagen.
A corridor was cut through the mountain forest for the new cable car.
The figurative meaning is especially common in the fixed expression 'eine Schneise der Verwüstung' (a swath of devastation). It describes the visible, severe damage left behind by an event.
Nach dem schweren Sturm zog sich eine Schneise der Verwüstung durch mehrere Dörfer.
After the severe storm, a swath of devastation stretched through several villages.
In the expression 'eine Schneise schlagen' (to blaze a trail), 'durch' (through) with the accusative often follows. It means that someone creates an understandable way into a difficult subject area.
Der Bericht schlägt eine Schneise durch die komplizierten Regeln des neuen Gesetzes.
The report blazes a trail through the complicated rules of the new law.
