journeyman years / wandering
Loading your saved state.
journeyman years
The traditional journey lasting several years that a journeyman craftsman takes after completing his apprenticeship in order to gain professional experience in different businesses. This period is also called 'Walz' (journeyman wandering).
Nach seiner Ausbildung zum Zimmermann ging er für drei Jahre und einen Tag auf Wanderschaft.
After his training as a carpenter, he went on his journeyman years for three years and one day.
wandering
A longer journey or hike, often without a fixed destination, usually undertaken on foot. The term is often used in a figurative or poetic sense.
Nach dem Studium begann für ihn eine lange Wanderschaft durch Europa, auf der Suche nach sich selbst.
After university, he began a long wandering through Europe in search of himself.
The word consists of the verb 'wandern' (to hike/wander) and the suffix '-schaft'. The ending '-schaft' often describes a state or a longer activity, similar to 'Freundschaft' (friendship) or 'Schwangerschaft' (pregnancy).
Seine Wanderschaft führte ihn durch viele unbekannte Länder.
His wandering took him through many unknown countries.
The traditional Wanderschaft (journeyman years) of journeyman craftsmen, also called 'Walz', is an established custom in German-speaking countries. It has clear rules, for example regarding duration and clothing.
Man erkennt die Gesellen auf Wanderschaft an ihrer traditionellen Kluft.
You can recognize journeymen on their journeyman years by their traditional outfit.
In connection with the traditional journey of craftsmen, the fixed expressions 'auf Wanderschaft gehen' (to go on one's journeyman years) or 'auf Wanderschaft sein' (to be on one's journeyman years) are often used.
Mein Bruder ist seit einem Jahr als Bäckergeselle auf Wanderschaft.
My brother has been on his journeyman years as a baker's journeyman for a year.
When 'Wanderschaft' (wandering) is used in a poetic or figurative sense, it often refers to a phase of life involving searching and self-discovery. Words like 'Suche' (search), 'Leben' (life), or 'Seele' (soul) point to this meaning.
Nach dem Ende seiner Karriere begann für ihn eine neue, geistige Wanderschaft.
After the end of his career, a new spiritual wandering began for him.
journey / trip
Eine Reise is the neutral term for being on the move for a longer period and often has a specific destination or purpose. Wanderschaft usually lasts longer, often takes place on foot, and may be without a fixed destination; the word often sounds poetic.
Nora begibt sich ohne festes Ziel zu Fuß auf eine lange Wanderschaft.
Nora sets off on a long journey on foot without a fixed destination.
Nora unternimmt eine Reise nach Rom, um dort eine Freundin zu besuchen.
Nora is taking a trip to Rome to visit a friend there.
