01
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
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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 Schild
sign / shield
'das Schild' and 'der Wegweiser' can both be a board or sign with information. But 'Schild' is more general: it can warn, prohibit something, inform, or show a name. 'Wegweiser' is more specific and points in the direction of a place. Learners may confuse the words because a Wegweiser is usually also a Schild. As a practical rule: when it is about direction and orientation, 'Wegweiser' fits. If it only shows information or a rule, 'Schild' is more natural.
Wegweiser
Im Wald folgen wir dem Wegweiser zum See.
In the forest, we follow the signpost to the lake.
Schild
Am Eingang hängt ein Schild mit den Öffnungszeiten.
There is a sign with the opening hours hanging at the entrance.
In real life
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