01
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
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Meanings
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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
'die Bahn' and 'die Spur' can both mean a separated line or area that you move along. In sports, people often say 'Bahn', for example in a swimming pool or on a running track. 'die Spur' is used more in traffic, for example for a lane on the road, or in railways for a track. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a kind of line or area for movement. As a guide: in sports, 'Bahn' is usually more natural; in road traffic, 'Spur' is usually more precise.
Spur
Vor der Baustelle musste Anna auf die rechte Spur wechseln.
Before the construction site, Anna had to change into the right lane.
Bahn
Im Schwimmbad war nur noch eine Bahn frei.
At the swimming pool, only one lane was still free.
In real life
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