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
die Weide
willow
A tree or shrub that often grows near water and has flexible branches. Baskets are often woven from its branches.
EXAMPLE
Am Ufer des Sees wächst eine alte Weide.
An old willow grows on the shore of the lake.
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 refer to a grass-covered area. Wiese mainly describes the area itself, while Weide emphasizes its use for animals to graze. Wiese is the better choice for hay or a general grassy area, while Weide is more appropriate when animals are grazing.
Weide
Der Bauer ließ die Kühe im Sommer auf der Weide grasen.
The farmer let the cows graze in the pasture in summer.
Wiese
Der Bauer mähte die Wiese im Sommer, um Heu für den Winter zu gewinnen.
The farmer mowed the meadow in summer to produce hay for the winter.
In real life
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