01
zelten
to camp
To spend the night in a tent, usually as a leisure activity in nature.
example
Im Sommer fahren wir oft an den See, um dort zu zelten.
In summer, we often go to the lake to camp there.
zelten
to camp
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'zelten' (to camp) is derived directly from the noun 'das Zelt' (the tent). It describes the activity you do with a tent: sleeping in it.
EXAMPLE
Wir brauchen ein größeres Zelt, wenn wir zu viert zelten wollen.
We need a bigger tent if the four of us want to camp.
Sentence structure
You can say 'wir zelten' (we camp) or 'wir gehen zelten' (we go camping). The form 'zelten gehen' emphasizes the beginning or the plan to do the activity, similar to 'schwimmen gehen' (to go swimming) or 'einkaufen gehen' (to go shopping).
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende gehen wir im Wald zelten.
At the weekend, we're going camping in the forest.
Typical collocations
'Zelten' is often combined with places in nature. Typical expressions are 'am See zelten' (to camp by the lake), 'in den Bergen zelten' (to camp in the mountains), 'auf dem Campingplatz zelten' (to camp at the campsite), or also 'wild zelten' (to camp outside official campsites).
EXAMPLE
Wildes Zelten ist in diesem Naturschutzgebiet streng verboten.
Wild camping is strictly forbidden in this nature reserve.
Compare with
zelten vs lagern
to store / camp
'lagern' and 'zelten' can both describe people taking a break or spending the night outdoors. 'zelten' is more specific: you sleep in a tent, usually in nature and often as a leisure activity. 'lagern' is more general and sounds somewhat older-fashioned or more elevated. It can mean settling down in a place for a rest or for the night, even when a tent is not important. Learners may confuse the words because both fit trips or nature. When the tent is the focus, 'zelten' is the natural choice.
zelten
Im Sommer zelten wir drei Nächte am See.
In summer, we camp by the lake for three nights.
lagern
Die Wanderer lagern am Fluss und ruhen sich bis zum Abend aus.
The hikers camp by the river and rest until evening.
In real life
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