01
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
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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
'ziehen' and 'wehen' can both describe movement in a direction. Here, 'ziehen' is used more for groups that move together, for example birds. 'wehen' is used for wind or for things that move in the wind, for example a flag or hair. The words can be confused because in both cases you see movement through the air. But the natural usage is: Der Wind weht (the wind is blowing), and Vögel ziehen nach Süden (birds migrate south).
wehen
Am Meer weht heute ein starker Wind.
A strong wind is blowing by the sea today.
ziehen
Im Herbst ziehen viele Vögel in den Süden.
In autumn, many birds migrate south.
In real life
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