segeln
to sail
To move on water in a sailboat or sailing ship using wind power.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer fahren wir oft an den See, um zu segeln.
In summer, we often go to the lake to sail.
segeln
to sail
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Meanings
segeln
to glide
To move gently and smoothly through the air, like a bird or a leaf in the wind.
EXAMPLE
Der Adler breitete seine Flügel aus und segelte majestätisch am Himmel.
The eagle spread its wings and glided majestically across the sky.
Usage tips
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'segeln' (to sail) describes movement, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have). This is a common mistake.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind letztes Jahr über den Atlantik gesegelt.
We sailed across the Atlantic last year.
Word family
The verb 'segeln' (to sail) is derived directly from the noun 'das Segel' (sail). A sail is the large piece of cloth on a ship that catches the wind.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind blies kräftig in die Segel.
The wind blew strongly into the sails.
Typical prepositions
When sailing on water, the prepositions 'auf' with dative (where?) or 'über' with accusative (to where? across which surface?) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende segeln wir auf dem Bodensee.
At the weekend, we're sailing on Lake Constance.
Context clue
In the figurative meaning of gliding, the subject is usually something light that moves elegantly through the air. Typical subjects are 'ein Vogel' (a bird), 'ein Blatt' (a leaf), or 'eine Feder' (a feather).
EXAMPLE
Ein einzelnes Herbstblatt segelte langsam vom Baum.
A single autumn leaf glided slowly down from the tree.
Compare with
segeln vs fahren
to drive / ride
Fahren can describe a trip by sailboat in general and focuses on the means of transport or the journey. Segeln more specifically refers to moving with the help of sails and wind. When this type of movement is important, segeln is the better choice.
segeln
Am Samstag segeln wir bei gutem Wind zur Nachbarinsel.
On Saturday, we’re sailing to the neighboring island in good wind.
fahren
Am Samstag fahren wir mit dem Segelboot zur Nachbarinsel.
On Saturday, we’re taking a sailboat to the neighboring island.
In real life
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