01
die Weide
pasture
A large meadow or piece of land with grass where animals such as cows, sheep, or horses graze.
example
Die Kühe stehen auf der Weide und fressen Gras.
The cows are standing in the pasture and eating grass.
die Weide
pasture / willow
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
Since the word has two very different meanings, context is crucial. If animals such as cows or sheep are being discussed, it refers to the meadow. If it is about trees, branches, or water, it refers to the tree.
EXAMPLE
Die Schafe grasen friedlich auf der Weide.
The sheep are grazing peacefully in the pasture.
Correct preposition
For the meadow, the preposition 'auf' is used. Pay attention to the case: 'auf die Weide' (onto the pasture; accusative) describes movement, while 'auf der Weide' (in/on the pasture; dative) describes a location.
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer treibt die Tiere am Morgen auf die Weide.
The farmer drives the animals onto the pasture in the morning.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with the meadow meaning are 'auf der Weide grasen' (to graze in the pasture), 'auf der Weide stehen' (to stand in the pasture), or 'Tiere auf die Weide bringen' (to bring animals onto the pasture).
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer bringen wir unsere Ziegen auf die Weide in den Bergen.
In summer, we bring our goats to the pasture in the mountains.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Baum' (tree), 'Weide' (willow) is often combined with its parts or products. Typical phrases are 'Zweige der Weide' (branches of the willow) or 'ein Korb aus Weiden' (a basket made of willow).
EXAMPLE
Aus den Zweigen der Weide kann man schöne Körbe flechten.
You can weave beautiful baskets from the branches of the willow.
Compare with
Weide vs Wiese
meadow
'Wiese' and 'Weide' can both be grassy areas in the countryside. A 'Wiese' is generally an area with grass and herbs. It can be mowed, for example for hay. A 'Weide' is more specifically a grassy area where animals graze, such as cows, sheep, or horses. The words are easy to confuse because a pasture often looks like a meadow. The simple difference is: 'Wiese' describes the grassy area in general, while 'Weide' describes its use by animals.
Weide
Auf der Weide stehen drei Kühe und fressen Gras.
There are three cows in the pasture, eating grass.
Wiese
Meine Freundin setzt sich am Abend auf die Wiese, weil es dort ruhig ist.
My friend sits down in the meadow in the evening because it is quiet there.
In real life
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