wehen
to blow
To move as wind or a current of air.
EXAMPLE
Heute weht ein starker Wind aus Westen.
Today a strong wind is blowing from the west.
wehen
to blow / flutter / waft
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Meanings
wehen
to flutter
To move or flap in the wind. Often used for flags, hair, or light fabrics.
EXAMPLE
Die Fahne auf dem Schlossdach wehte im Wind.
The flag on the castle roof fluttered in the wind.
wehen
to waft
To be carried through the air as a scent or smell.
EXAMPLE
Ein herrlicher Duft von frisch gebackenem Brot wehte aus der Bäckerei.
A wonderful smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the bakery.
Usage tips
Context clue
The subject of the sentence reveals the exact meaning. If the subject is 'der Wind' (the wind) or 'es' (it), it means 'to blow'. If it is a flag or hair, it means 'to flutter'. If it is a scent or smell, it means 'to spread' or 'to waft'.
EXAMPLE
Der Wind weht heute sehr stark.
The wind is blowing very strongly today.
Sentence structure with 'es'
When talking about the wind, 'wehen' (to blow) can be used impersonally with 'es' (it) as the subject. Alternatively, 'der Wind' (the wind) can also be the subject.
EXAMPLE
Mach die Fenster zu, es weht ziemlich kalt.
Close the windows; it's blowing pretty cold.
Sentence structure for smells
When a smell spreads, its origin is often given with the preposition 'aus' (out of/from) or 'von' (from). The typical pattern is: [smell] + wehen + [aus/von] + [source].
EXAMPLE
Der Geruch von Popcorn wehte aus dem Kino.
The smell of popcorn wafted from the movie theater.
Compare with
wehen vs ziehen
to pull / move
Both words can be used for something that moves through the air. „Ziehen“ tends to emphasize the noticeable draft or the spreading, while „wehen“ describes moving wind or a scent carried through the air. For wind and scents, „wehen“ is usually the more natural choice.
wehen
Vom Garten weht der Duft der Rosen bis ins offene Fenster.
The scent of roses is wafting from the garden to the open window.
ziehen
Durch das offene Fenster zieht ein kalter Luftzug ins Zimmer.
A cold draft is coming into the room through the open window.
In real life
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