der
Radweg
🚲 What exactly is a "Radweg"?
A Radweg is a path or lane specifically designated and marked for cyclists (Fahrradfahrer). Its main purpose is to offer cyclists a safe route, separated from motorized traffic (motorisierter Verkehr) and often also from pedestrians (Fußgänger).
The word is a compound noun:
The article is always der because the determining final noun, Weg, is masculine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-eg/-ieg → mostly masculine.
🧐 Grammar: "Der Radweg" in Detail
The noun "Radweg" is masculine. Therefore, the correct article is der.
Singular (Einzahl)
| Case | Masculine |
|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | der Radweg |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | den Radweg |
| Dative (To/For Whom?) | dem Radweg / dem Radwege |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des Radweges / des Radwegs |
Plural (Mehrzahl)
| Case | All Genders |
|---|---|
| Nominative | die Radwege |
| Accusative | die Radwege |
| Dative | den Radwegen |
| Genitive | der Radwege |
Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)
- Der neue Radweg entlang des Flusses ist sehr schön.
(The new bike path along the river is very beautiful.) - Bitte fahre auf dem Radweg und nicht auf dem Gehsteig.
(Please ride on the bike path and not on the sidewalk.) - Die Stadt plant den Bau mehrerer neuer Radwege.
(The city is planning the construction of several new bike paths.) - Die Breite des Radweges entspricht den Vorschriften.
(The width of the bike path complies with the regulations.)
💡 How to Use "Radweg"?
"Radweg" is used in contexts related to traffic (Verkehr), urban planning (Stadtplanung), leisure (Freizeit), and sports (Sport).
- Everyday Language: Talking about commuting ("Ich nehme den Radweg." - I take the bike path.) or leisure activities ("Am Wochenende fahren wir den Radweg am See entlang." - On the weekend, we'll ride along the bike path by the lake.).
- Official Language/Planning: In official documents or discussions about infrastructure ("Die Planung des Radweges ist abgeschlossen." - The planning of the bike path is complete.).
- Distinction: It's important to distinguish the Radweg from the Gehweg (sidewalk for pedestrians) or the Fahrbahn (roadway for cars). A Fahrradstreifen (bicycle lane) is often just a marked part of the roadway, whereas a Radweg can be structurally separated.
- Synonyms: Fahrradweg is often used synonymously.
⚠️ Pay attention to the correct preposition: You ride auf dem Radweg (on the bike path).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of der Weg (the path/way). Since "Radweg" ends in "-weg" and "der Weg" is masculine, "der Radweg" is also masculine.
Meaning Mnemonic: A Weg (path) just for your Rad (bike)? That's the Radweg, quick!
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Fahrradweg: Very common synonym, practically interchangeable. (Bike path)
- Radfahrstreifen: More specifically a lane marked on the road, not always physically separated. (Cycle lane)
- Veloweg: Swiss German term. (Bike path)
- Radroute: Often refers to a longer, touristic route which may include bike paths. (Cycle route)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
🚨 Be careful with Radspur: This can also mean Radfahrstreifen (cycle lane).
😄 A Little Joke
DE: Warum nehmen Fahrräder immer den Radweg?
Weil sie nicht auf die schiefe Bahn geraten wollen!
EN: Why do bicycles always take the bike path?
Because they don't want to go off the rails! (Literal: get onto the crooked path/go astray)
📜 Poem about the Bike Path
DE:
Der Radweg schlängelt sich durchs Grün,
Hier kann das Fahrrad sicher zieh'n.
Kein Auto stört, kein Hupen klingt,
Wo Freiheit auf zwei Rädern schwingt.
Asphalt so glatt, ein feines Band,
Führt Radler durch das ganze Land.
Mal schnell, mal langsam, immerfort,
Der Radweg ist ein sich'rer Ort.
EN:
The bike path winds through the green,
Here the bicycle can safely lean.
No car disturbs, no horn sounds ring,
Where freedom on two wheels takes wing.
Asphalt so smooth, a fine ribbon band,
Leads cyclists throughout the whole land.
Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, evermore,
The bike path is a safe corridor.
🧩 Who or what am I?
DE:
Ich bin ein Band, doch trag kein Kleid.
Ich biete Schutz zu jeder Zeit.
Zwei Räder rollen auf mir gern,
Dem lauten Verkehr bleib ich meist fern.
Was bin ich?
EN:
I am a ribbon/strip, but wear no dress.
I offer protection, I must confess.
Two wheels enjoy rolling on me,
From loud traffic, I'm usually free.
What am I?
Solution / Lösung: Der Radweg (The bike path)
✨ Other Information
Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung)
The word "Radweg" is a compound noun (Kompositum), meaning it's formed from two independent words:
The gender (Genus) is determined by the last part of the word ("Weg"), which is masculine. Hence, it's "der Radweg".
Signage (Beschilderung)
In Germany, Radwege are often indicated by blue, circular signs featuring a white bicycle symbol (Traffic signs 237, 240, or 241).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Radweg?
The word "Radweg" is masculine, so the correct article is der Radweg. The plural form is "die Radwege".