der  Weggang

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈveːkɡaŋ/

🚶 What does 'der Weggang' mean?

Der Weggang (noun, masculine) means departure, leaving, or exit. It refers to the act of leaving a place, a position, or a community. It's often used in the context of work (leaving a company) but also more generally for departing or going away. Sometimes, it can be used euphemistically for death.

• Main meaning: The act of going away, departure.
• Work context: Leaving a job or position (*Ausscheiden*).
• Figurative/Euphemistic: Occasionally used as a description for dying (rare).

There's only one article for this word: der Weggang.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'der Weggang' in Detail

The noun 'Weggang' is masculine. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Example Sentences

1. Sein plötzlicher Weggang von der Firma überraschte alle Kollegen.
   His sudden departure from the company surprised all colleagues.
2. Nach dem Weggang der Gäste wurde es still im Haus.
   After the guests' departure, it became quiet in the house.
3. Der Weggang ins Ausland war für sie ein großer Schritt.
   Leaving for abroad was a big step for her.
4. Wir bedauern den Weggang unseres langjährigen Mitarbeiters sehr.
   We deeply regret the departure of our long-standing employee.
5. Der Roman beschreibt den schmerzlichen Weggang von seiner Heimat.
   The novel describes the painful departure from his homeland.

💬 How and when to use 'Weggang'?

'Weggang' is often used in more formal contexts, especially when referring to leaving an organization, job, or important position.

• Professional Context: Common in announcements about personnel changes ("Wir geben den Weggang von Herrn Müller bekannt." - We announce the departure of Mr. Müller.). It often sounds more official than terms like *Kündigung* (resignation/termination) or simply stating "er ist gegangen" (he left).
• Personal Context: Can also describe leaving a place or group, often carrying an emotional connotation of loss or farewell ("Der Weggang von zu Hause fiel ihm schwer." - Leaving home was difficult for him.).
• Comparison:
  • Abgang: Similar, often more neutral or even slightly negative (e.g., "ein unrühmlicher Abgang" - an inglorious exit).
  • Ausscheiden: Very formal, typical for professional contexts.
  • Abreise: Specifically refers to the start of a journey.
  • Abschied: Emphasizes the emotional element of parting.

⚠️ Avoid overusing 'Weggang' for every simple act of leaving. It usually implies a certain finality or significance.

💡 Mnemonics for 'der Weggang'

For the article 'der': Think: Der Mann (the man) is going away (weg). The noun for this is der Weggang. Masculine person -> masculine noun.

For the meaning: Imagine someone walking a long Weg (way, path) as part of their 'going' (Gang). The path (Weg) is part of the departure (Weggang).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Watch out for similar words:

• Durchgang: passage, transit (passing through, not leaving).
• Ausgang: exit (the physical way out); also outcome.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Manager seinen Kalender mitgenommen, als er gekündigt wurde?

Damit er seinen Weggang planen konnte! 😉

(Why did the manager take his calendar with him when he was fired? – So he could plan his departure!)

✍️ Poem about Departure

Der Stuhl ist leer, der Platz nun kalt,
ein leiser Abschied durch den Flur hallt.
Der Weggang schmerzt, ein stilles Leid,
doch öffnet Türen für neue Zeit.

(The chair is empty, the place now cold,
a quiet farewell echoes through the hall.
The departure hurts, a silent sorrow,
but opens doors for a new tomorrow.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Kommen, sondern ein Gehen,
oft mit Bedauern oder Wehen.
Manchmal von Arbeit, manchmal von hier,
mein Artikel ist männlich, sag' ich dir.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: der Weggang)

(I am not an arrival, but a leaving,
often with regret or grieving.
Sometimes from work, sometimes from here,
my article is masculine, I make it clear.

What am I?
Answer: der Weggang)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition:

The word 'Weggang' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Weg: preposition/adverb meaning 'away'.
• Gang: noun derived from the verb 'gehen' (to go), meaning 'walk', 'gait', or 'act of going'.

Together, they form the meaning of 'going away' or 'departure'.

Nuance:

Although 'Weggang' can be used neutrally, depending on the context, it can imply regret or loss more strongly than the neutral *Abreise* (departure on a journey).