01
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
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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' and 'segeln' both describe moving from place to place. But 'fahren' is much more general: you can 'fahren' by car, bus, train, or bicycle, and you can also 'fahren' to a place. 'segeln' only fits when you move on water in a sailboat or sailing ship using wind power. Learners may confuse the words because a sailboat is also a means of transport. More natural is: you use 'fahren' with a car, and 'segeln' with a sailboat.
segeln
Im Sommer segeln wir mit Freunden über den See.
In summer, we sail across the lake with friends.
fahren
Nach der Arbeit fahren wir mit dem Zug nach Hamburg.
After work, we take the train to Hamburg.
In real life
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