companion
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companion
A person who accompanies someone over a longer period during a phase of life and is often considered a friend, colleague, or supporter. The meaning is usually metaphorical, referring to the path of life.
Er war über viele Jahre ein treuer politischer Weggefährte des ehemaligen Bürgermeisters.
For many years, he was a loyal political companion of the former mayor.
travel companion
A person who accompanies someone on a concrete, physical journey, hike, or march.
Für die anspruchsvolle Alpenüberquerung suchte er noch einen erfahrenen Weggefährten.
For the demanding crossing of the Alps, he was still looking for an experienced travel companion.
The word consists of 'Weg' (path/way) and 'Gefährte' (companion). A Weggefährte is therefore someone who goes along part of the way—literally on a journey or metaphorically in life.
Auf seiner langen Reise durch Asien fand er einen treuen Weggefährten.
On his long journey through Asia, he found a loyal companion.
The figurative meaning is more common. Adjectives like 'politisch' (political), 'langjährig' (long-time), or 'treu' (loyal) point to the path of life. Concrete travel terms like 'Wanderung' (hike) or 'Expedition' (expedition) point to the literal meaning.
Sie war eine wichtige politische Weggefährtin in seinen frühen Jahren als Politiker.
She was an important political companion during his early years as a politician.
'Weggefährte' (companion) is a word with a positive, often emotional and slightly elevated connotation. It describes a person with whom you share a special connection during a common phase of life.
Nach dem Tod des Schriftstellers erinnerten sich viele seiner alten Weggefährten an ihn.
After the writer's death, many of his old companions remembered him.
companion
Gefährte and Weggefährte both refer to a person who accompanies someone. Gefährte generally describes an often familiar companion. Weggefährte places more emphasis on having shared a longer phase of life, for example as a friend, colleague, or supporter.
Während meiner gesamten Ausbildung war Amir ein wichtiger Weggefährte.
Throughout my entire training, Amir was an important companion on my journey.
In den schweren Jahren wurde Amir zu einem treuen Gefährten.
During the difficult years, Amir became a loyal companion.
