der Wegweiser
signpost
A sign that indicates the direction to a specific place.
EXAMPLE
An der Kreuzung stand ein Wegweiser, der nach links zum Bahnhof zeigte.
At the intersection there was a signpost pointing left toward the train station.
der Wegweiser
signpost / guide
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Meanings
der Wegweiser
guide
In a figurative sense, a person or thing, such as a book, that provides orientation and guidance.
EXAMPLE
Sein Rat war für mich ein wichtiger Wegweiser bei meiner beruflichen Entscheidung.
His advice was an important guide for me in making my career decision.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'der Weg' (way/path) and 'der Weiser' (pointer/guide). A 'Weiser' is someone or something that 'weist' (points/shows). So a Wegweiser is literally something that shows the way. This applies both to the sign and to the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Folgen Sie einfach den Wegweisern zum Gipfel.
Just follow the signposts to the summit.
Context clue
You can recognize the literal meaning, a sign, from context words like 'Kreuzung' (intersection), 'Straße' (street/road), 'Richtung' (direction), or 'folgen' (to follow). The figurative meaning, guidance, is used in connection with abstract topics such as 'Leben' (life), 'Karriere' (career), or 'Entscheidung' (decision).
EXAMPLE
An der nächsten Gabelung steht ein Wegweiser zum See.
At the next fork there is a signpost to the lake.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'Wegweiser' (signpost) often appears with verbs of movement or position. Typical phrases are 'einem Wegweiser folgen' (to follow a signpost), 'ein Wegweiser zeigt (nach links/rechts)' (a signpost points left/right), or 'ein Wegweiser steht an der Kreuzung' (a signpost stands at the intersection).
EXAMPLE
Der Wegweiser zeigte direkt zum Eingang des Nationalparks.
The signpost pointed directly to the entrance of the national park.
Figurative use
When 'Wegweiser' (guide) is used figuratively, it often refers to a person, a book, or a piece of advice. Common phrases are 'als Wegweiser dienen' (to serve as a guide) or 'ein wichtiger Wegweiser für jemanden sein' (to be an important guide for someone).
EXAMPLE
Die Ratschläge meiner Mentorin dienten mir als Wegweiser.
My mentor's advice served as a guide for me.
Compare with
Wegweiser vs Leitfaden
guide / guiding principle
Both words can provide orientation and guidance, even when referring to a book. A Leitfaden usually introduces a topic systematically and helps with practical application, while a Wegweiser mainly shows the direction. For detailed practical help, Leitfaden is therefore the better choice.
Wegweiser
Das Buch ist ein Wegweiser, der uns zu den wichtigsten Informationen führt.
The book is a guide that leads us to the most important information.
Leitfaden
Der Leitfaden erklärt Schritt für Schritt, wie wir den Antrag ausfüllen.
The guide explains step by step how we fill out the application.
In real life
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