die Spur
track / trace
An imprint or mark left behind by someone or something, for example footprints in the sand.
EXAMPLE
Im Schnee waren deutlich die Spuren eines Rehs zu erkennen.
The tracks of a deer could be clearly seen in the snow.
die Spur
track / trace
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Spur
lane / track
A lane on a road or a track on a railway.
EXAMPLE
Wegen eines Unfalls ist die rechte Spur der Autobahn gesperrt.
Because of an accident, the right lane of the highway is closed.
die Spur
lead / clue
A clue or piece of evidence that helps solve a crime or mystery.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei hat eine neue Spur, die zum Täter führen könnte.
The police have a new lead that could point to the perpetrator.
die Spur
trace
A very small amount or a barely perceptible hint of something.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Lebensmittel kann Spuren von Nüssen enthalten.
This food may contain traces of nuts.
die Spur
track
A single channel of an audio or video recording that can be edited separately.
EXAMPLE
Der Gitarrist nahm seine Spur getrennt von der Rhythmusgruppe auf.
The guitarist recorded his track separately from the rhythm section.
keine Spur von
no trace of
Expresses that something or someone is completely absent or does not show a particular feeling.
EXAMPLE
Von dem vermissten Bergsteiger fehlte auch nach Tagen noch jede Spur.
Even after days, there was still no trace of the missing mountain climber.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
When 'Spur' (track/trace) means an imprint, it is often combined with verbs such as 'hinterlassen' (to leave behind), 'folgen' (to follow), or 'finden' (to find). The context is often nature, e.g. tracks in the sand, snow, or mud.
EXAMPLE
Das Tier hat deutliche Spuren im weichen Boden hinterlassen.
The animal left clear tracks in the soft ground.
Context: road traffic
In the context of traffic and driving, 'Spur' (lane) always means a traffic lane. Typical verbs here are 'die Spur wechseln' (to change lanes) or 'die Spur halten' (to stay in one's lane).
EXAMPLE
Auf der Autobahn muss man zum Überholen die Spur wechseln.
On the highway, you have to change lanes to overtake.
Context: investigation
When it comes to crimes or mysteries, 'Spur' (lead/clue) means a clue or lead. A common expression is 'eine heiße Spur' (a hot lead), which means a very promising clue.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei verfolgt eine neue Spur im Fall des gestohlenen Gemäldes.
The police are following a new lead in the case of the stolen painting.
Context: food
In the meaning 'very small amount,' the expression 'Spuren von ...' (traces of ...) is very often found on food packaging as a warning for people with allergies.
EXAMPLE
Das Produkt kann Spuren von Erdnüssen enthalten.
The product may contain traces of peanuts.
Context: music & film
In the field of audio and video production, 'Spur' (track) refers to a single channel of a recording. Typical verbs are 'eine Spur aufnehmen' (to record a track) or 'Spuren mischen' (to mix tracks).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die Gesangsspur noch einmal neu aufnehmen.
We need to record the vocal track again.
Fixed expression
The expression 'keine Spur von' (no trace of) is a fixed expression meaning that something is completely missing. The noun that is missing usually follows in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Am nächsten Morgen war keine Spur mehr von dem Schnee.
The next morning, there was no trace of the snow left.
Compare with
Spur vs Bahn
train / track
Bahn and Spur can both refer to a clearly defined path. In sports, a designated running or swimming lane is usually called a Bahn, whereas Spur primarily refers to a lane on a road or a railway track. The type of movement therefore determines which word is appropriate.
Spur
Die Fahrerin bleibt während der Baustelle auf ihrer Spur.
The driver stays in her lane during the roadworks.
Bahn
Die Läuferin bleibt während des Rennens auf ihrer Bahn.
The runner stays in her lane throughout the race.
In real life
Loading video examples...