der  Spaziergang

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃpaˈtsiːɐ̯ˌɡaŋ/

🚶‍♂️ What Exactly is a 'Spaziergang'?

Der Spaziergang (noun, masculine) refers to a leisurely walk over a short or medium distance, usually for recreation, relaxation, or pleasure. The primary focus isn't on athletic performance or reaching a specific destination, but rather on the act of walking itself, often in the fresh air.

Unlike hiking (Wandern), a Spaziergang is typically shorter, less strenuous, and doesn't require special equipment. People often take a Spaziergang in a park, forest, on the beach, or simply through the city.

🚨 Attention: Although derived from the verb spazieren (to stroll), der Spaziergang is always a noun and is capitalized.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Spaziergang

The noun 'Spaziergang' is masculine, so the definite article is der. Here is the declension:

Example Sentences:

• Nominative: Der Spaziergang im Park war sehr erholsam. (The walk in the park was very relaxing.)
• Genitive: Die Länge des Spaziergangs hing vom Wetter ab. (The length of the walk depended on the weather.)
• Dativ: Nach dem langen Spaziergang waren wir müde. (After the long walk, we were tired.)
• Akkusativ: Wir machen heute Abend einen Spaziergang am See. (We are taking a walk by the lake this evening.)
• Plural: Regelmäßige Spaziergänge sind gut für die Gesundheit. (Regular walks are good for health.)

💡 How to Use 'Spaziergang'?

Der Spaziergang is commonly used in everyday language when talking about relaxed walking.

• Typical Collocations: You machen einen Spaziergang (take a walk), gehen spazieren (go for a walk - verb), unternehmen einen Spaziergang (undertake a walk).
• Context: Mostly used for leisure time, relaxation, after meals (Verdauungsspaziergang - digestive walk), or to get some fresh air.
• Differentiation:
  • Wanderung (hike): Longer, often in nature/mountains, more purposeful, can be more strenuous.
  • Marsch (march): Often military or organized, brisk pace, fixed goal/distance.
  • Bummel (stroll): Often aimless through the city, window shopping, leisurely.

Examples of typical usage:

1. "Lass uns nach dem Abendessen einen kleinen Spaziergang machen." (Let's take a short walk after dinner.)
2. "Ein langer Spaziergang am Strand klärt den Kopf." (A long walk on the beach clears the head.)
3. "Der Sonntagsspaziergang mit der Familie ist eine schöne Tradition." (The Sunday walk with the family is a nice tradition.)

🧠 Mnemonics to Help Remember

Article Mnemonic (der): Think of der Mann (the man) going for a walk. Or: The word ends in "-gang" (like der Ausgang - exit, der Eingang - entrance, der Jahrgang - year group); many nouns ending in "-gang" are masculine (der).

Meaning Mnemonic: Spazieren sounds relaxed, almost like having "Spaß" (fun). So, a Spaziergang is a relaxed Gang (walk/gait) for fun and recreation.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

Easily Confused?

• Spazierfahrt: A recreational trip (e.g., by car or bike), not walking.
• Spazierstock: A walking stick used as an aid or accessory during a walk.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Machen Sie regelmäßig Spaziergänge an der frischen Luft?" Antwortet der Patient: "Ja, fast jeden Tag – zum Rauchen auf den Balkon!" 😉

English Translation: The doctor asks the patient: "Do you regularly take walks in the fresh air?" The patient replies: "Yes, almost every day – to smoke on the balcony!" 😉

📜 A Poem About the Spaziergang

German:
Ein Spaziergang, still und sacht,
hat oft schon Wunder über Nacht
für Geist und Seele mitgebracht.
Man atmet tief die klare Luft,
vergisst den Alltagsmief und Duft
von Stress und Sorgen aus der Gruft.
Schritt für Schritt, ganz ohne Hast,
fällt von den Schultern schwere Last.
Ein Spaziergang – eine kleine Rast.

English Translation:
A walk, quiet and gentle,
has often brought wonders overnight
for mind and soul.
One breathes deeply the clear air,
forgets the everyday fug and scent
of stress and worries from the crypt.
Step by step, without any haste,
a heavy burden falls from the shoulders.
A walk – a little rest.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin kein Rennen und kein Lauf,
nehme mir Zeit, schau gern hinauf.
Im Park, im Wald, am Meer entlang,
nennt man mich oft ...?

Lösung: der Spaziergang

English Translation:
I am not a race and not a run,
I take my time, like looking up for fun.
In the park, in the woods, along the sea's song,
What am I often called...?

Answer: der Spaziergang (the walk/stroll)

✨ More Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: The word "Spaziergang" comes from the verb "spazieren", which was borrowed in the 15th century from the Italian "spaziare" (to spread out spatially, to wander around). "Gang" refers to the act of walking.
• Cultural Significance: The Sonntagsspaziergang (Sunday walk) has (or had) a long tradition in Germany as a family activity.
• Health: Regular walks (Spaziergänge) promote physical and mental health, reduce stress, and improve mood.