der
Fußweg
🚶♂️ What exactly is a Fußweg?
A Fußweg (masculine, article: der) is a path specifically intended for pedestrians. Its purpose is to allow people to walk safely, separate from vehicle traffic, or as a path through nature (e.g., in parks or forests).
In urban areas, the terms Gehweg or Bürgersteig (both meaning sidewalk or pavement) are often used. They are essentially synonyms for the urban Fußweg, though there might be slight nuances in official terminology or regional usage.
🚨 Caution: Don't confuse it with a Radweg (cycle path) or the Fahrbahn (roadway/carriageway).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-eg/-ieg → mostly masculine.
🧐 Grammar of "der Fußweg" in Detail
The noun "Fußweg" is masculine. Here are the declension tables for singular and plural:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der | Fußweg |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des | Fußweg(e)s |
| Dative (To whom?) | dem | Fußweg(e) |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den | Fußweg |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Fußwege |
| Genitive | der | Fußwege |
| Dative | den | Fußwegen |
| Accusative | die | Fußwege |
📝 Example Sentences
- Der Fußweg entlang des Flusses ist sehr malerisch.
(The footpath along the river is very picturesque.) - Bitte benutzen Sie den Fußweg und gehen Sie nicht auf der Straße.
(Please use the footpath and do not walk on the road.) - Die Kinder spielen auf dem breiten Fußweg vor dem Haus.
(The children are playing on the wide sidewalk in front of the house.) - Im Park gibt es viele schöne Fußwege zum Spazierengehen.
(In the park, there are many beautiful footpaths for walking.) - Die Breite des Fußweges ist für Kinderwagen ausreichend.
(The width of the footpath is sufficient for strollers.)
👟 When to use "Fußweg"?
The term Fußweg is used in various contexts:
- In urban traffic: Often synonymous with Gehweg or Bürgersteig (sidewalk/pavement), it refers to the path alongside the road for pedestrians. Example: "Der Fußweg ist wegen Bauarbeiten gesperrt." (The footpath is closed due to construction work.)
- In parks and nature: Often refers to a constructed or natural path used for walking or hiking. Example: "Wir folgten dem schmalen Fußweg durch den Wald." (We followed the narrow footpath through the forest.)
- Distinction: It serves to clearly separate paths for pedestrians from those for other road users (cyclists, cars).
Although Gehweg and Bürgersteig are more frequently used in urban contexts, Fußweg is a more general and often more official term found on signs or maps. A Pfad (trail, path) is usually narrower and more natural than a typical urban Fußweg.
💡 Mnemonics to Remember
- Article Mnemonic (der): Imagine a strong man walking on the path: Der Mann geht auf dem Weg. Since Weg is der Weg (masculine), the compound word Fußweg is also masculine: der Fußweg.
- Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a simple compound: Fuß (foot) + Weg (way, path). So, it literally means a 'foot-way' or 'path for feet'. Quite logical!
Think of your 'Fuß' (foot) walking on 'der Weg' (the path) – that makes 'der Fußweg'.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Fußweg
Words with Similar Meaning (Synonyms):
- Gehweg: Very common synonym, especially in urban areas (sidewalk).
- Bürgersteig: Also a common synonym for an urban sidewalk.
- Gehsteig: Less common, but also used as a synonym (sidewalk).
- Fußgängerweg: More formal, emphasizes the target group (pedestrian way).
- Pfad: Usually a narrower, often unpaved path, e.g., in nature (trail, path).
- Spazierweg: A path primarily for strolling, often in parks or recreational areas (walking path).
Words with Opposite/Contrasting Meaning (Antonyms/Contrasts):
- Fahrbahn: The part of the road for vehicles (roadway, carriageway).
- Straße: Usually includes the roadway and often sidewalks, but the focus is on vehicle traffic (street, road).
- Radweg: A path specifically for bicycles (cycle path).
- Autobahn: A highway exclusively for fast motor vehicles (motorway, highway).
⚠️ Be aware: A Trampelpfad is an unofficial path created by frequent walking (desire path).
😄 A Little Joke
DE: Warum überqueren Fußgänger immer den Fußweg?
Weil sie auf der anderen Seite ankommen wollen!
EN: Why do pedestrians always cross the footpath?
Because they want to get to the other side! (A classic, but fitting!)
📜 Poem about the Fußweg
DE:
Der Fußweg, schmal und breit,
liegt neben Straßen, weit und breit.
Für Füße nur, so ist's gedacht,
hat uns schon sicher heimgebracht.
Mal grau geteert, mal grün im Gras,
man geht darauf mit Spaß, mit Maß.
Ein Weg für uns, im Stadtgewühl,
der Fußweg gibt ein gutes Gefühl.
EN:
The footpath, narrow and wide,
lies beside streets, far and wide.
For feet alone, it is intended,
has brought us safely home, extended.
Sometimes grey tarmac, sometimes green grass,
one walks on it with fun, with class.
A path for us, in the city's fray,
the footpath feels good along the way.
❓ Little Riddle
DE:
Ich liege neben schnellen Spuren,
doch auf mir machen Füße Touren.
Mal bin ich in der Stadt zu Haus,
mal führe ich zum Wald hinaus.
Wer bin ich?
Lösung: Der Fußweg
EN:
I lie beside the faster lanes,
but on me, feet take walking pains (journeys).
Sometimes I'm found within the town,
sometimes I lead to forests, brown.
What am I?
Solution: The Fußweg (footpath)
🧩 Word Composition & Trivia
The word Fußweg is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), meaning it's formed by combining two words:
In German compound nouns, the gender is determined by the last word in the compound. Since "Weg" is masculine (der Weg), "Fußweg" is also masculine (der Fußweg).
Interesting fact: In the official German Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung - StVO), the term Gehweg is more commonly used than Fußweg for urban sidewalks.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Fußweg?
The noun "Fußweg" is masculine, so the correct article is der. It refers to a path designated for pedestrians, either in a city (often synonymous with Gehweg/Bürgersteig - sidewalk) or in nature (footpath, trail).