01
der Weggang
departure
Leaving a place, a job, or a group of people, often permanently.
example
Sein plötzlicher Weggang von der Firma hat alle Kollegen überrascht.
His sudden departure from the company surprised all his colleagues.
der Weggang
departure
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Weggang' (departure) is the nominalization of the separable verb 'weggehen' (to go away; weg + gehen). It describes the action or event of leaving.
EXAMPLE
Niemand verstand, warum er so plötzlich weggehen musste.
No one understood why he had to leave so suddenly.
Typical collocations
This noun is often combined with adjectives that describe the nature of the leaving, for example 'ein plötzlicher Weggang' (a sudden departure), 'ein schmerzlicher Weggang' (a painful departure), or 'der endgültige Weggang' (the final departure).
EXAMPLE
Ihr Weggang hinterließ eine große Lücke im Team.
Her departure left a large gap in the team.
Register
'Weggang' (departure) is a rather formal word that is frequently used in written language. It often sounds weightier and more final than a simple description with the verb.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Abschiedsrede begründete der Direktor seinen Weggang mit persönlichen Motiven.
In his farewell speech, the director explained his departure with personal reasons.
Compare with
Weggang vs Abschied
farewell / departure
'der Abschied' and 'der Weggang' both have to do with someone leaving a place, a group, or a situation. However, 'der Abschied' emphasizes the moment of saying goodbye, and often also the feeling that goes with it. It fits when you consciously part from people, a place, or a phase of life. 'der Weggang' emphasizes more strongly the fact that someone is leaving or leaving a position, often for a longer time or permanently. Learners may confuse the words because both can occur when someone leaves. In practical terms: with 'Abschied', you usually say goodbye one more time; with 'Weggang', it is more about the fact that someone is no longer there afterward.
Weggang
Nach dem Weggang der Kollegin musste das Team die Aufgaben neu verteilen.
After the colleague's departure, the team had to redistribute the tasks.
Abschied
Der Abschied von meiner Freundin am Bahnhof war schwer.
Saying goodbye to my girlfriend at the train station was hard.
In real life
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