die  Windrichtung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɪntˌʁɪçtʊŋ/

🌬️ What does 'die Windrichtung' mean?

Die Windrichtung translates to wind direction. It describes the compass direction from which the wind is blowing. It's a feminine noun in German (hence 'die'). It's usually specified using cardinal directions (Nord, Ost, Süd, West) or in degrees (0° to 360°). For example, Westwind (west wind) means the wind is coming from the west.

There's only one article, 'die', for this word because its meaning is specific and it's always feminine. No risk of confusion here! ⚠️

Article rules for der, die, and das

The Grammar behind 'die Windrichtung' 🧭

The noun 'Windrichtung' is feminine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Die Windrichtung hat sich plötzlich geändert.
   (The wind direction changed suddenly.)
2. Kannst du mir die aktuelle Windrichtung sagen?
   (Can you tell me the current wind direction?)
3. Für Segler ist die Kenntnis der Windrichtung entscheidend.
   (Knowing the wind direction is crucial for sailors.)
4. Der Wetterbericht meldet wechselnde Windrichtungen.
   (The weather forecast reports changing wind directions.)

☁️ When and How to Use 'Windrichtung'?

'Windrichtung' is primarily used in contexts related to weather, meteorology, sailing, aviation, or outdoor activities.

• Weather Reports: "Die vorherrschende Windrichtung ist Nordwest." (The prevailing wind direction is northwest.)
• Navigation: Pilots and captains constantly need to consider the Windrichtung.
• Sports: For activities like sailing (Segeln), kite flying (Drachenfliegen), or hot air ballooning (Heißluftballonfahren), the Windrichtung is essential.
• Everyday Life: Sometimes people mention it in daily conversation, e.g., when smoke from a barbecue (Grill) drifts in a certain direction due to the Windrichtung.

Compared to 'der Wind' (the wind), which describes the air movement itself, 'die Windrichtung' specifies the origin of that movement.

💡 Memory Aids for 'die Windrichtung'

1. Remembering the Article ('die'): Think of the German word 'die Richtung' (the direction). Since 'Richtung' is feminine, the compound word 'die Windrichtung' is also feminine. Wind + Richtung = Windrichtung. Easy!
2. Remembering the Meaning: Imagine a weather vane (Windfahne or Wetterhahn) spinning and pointing to the Richtung (direction) from which the Wind (wind) is coming. The vane shows the Windrichtung.

Wind needs a direction, which in German is 'die Richtung'. So, just put them together: 'die Windrichtung'!

Similar and Opposite Terms for 'Windrichtung'

⚠️ Be careful: 'Windstärke' (wind strength/speed) is different from 'Windrichtung'.

😂 A Little Joke

Deutsch: Frage: Was sagt ein Thermometer zum Wind? Antwort: "Du machst mich vielleicht frösteln, aber ich sage dir, wie kalt es wirklich ist, egal aus welcher Windrichtung du kommst!"

English: Question: What does a thermometer say to the wind? Answer: "You might make me shiver, but I'll tell you how cold it really is, no matter which Windrichtung you come from!"

🎵 Poem about 'Windrichtung'

Deutsch:
Der Wind, er tanzt, mal sanft, mal wild,
Ein unsichtbares, freies Kind.
Doch woher kommt er, sag es mir?
Die Windrichtung, die verrät es dir.

Mal Nord, mal Süd, mal Ost, mal West,
Sie hält die Segel auf dem Test.
Ein Fähnchen dreht sich leis im Nu,
Zeigt uns die Richtung immerzu.

English Translation:
The wind, it dances, soft or wild,
An invisible, free child.
But where's it from? Oh, tell me true!
The Windrichtung reveals it to you.

Now North, now South, now East, now West,
It puts the sails to the test.
A little vane turns quietly anew,
Shows us the direction ever true.

🤔 Little Riddle

Deutsch:
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch sage dir,
Woher die Böe weht, glaube mir.
Auf Dächern oft, ein Hahn aus Blech,
Zeigt meine Deutung ohne Sprech'.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Die Windrichtung (oder die Windfahne, die sie anzeigt)

English Translation:
I have no mouth, but I tell you clear,
From where the gust blows, believe me, dear.
Often on roofs, a rooster of tin,
Shows my meaning from where breezes begin.

What am I?

Solution: The Windrichtung (wind direction) (or the weather vane that shows it)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Windrichtung' is a compound noun (Kompositum), formed from:

• der Wind: The wind (the natural movement of air).
• die Richtung: The direction (the path or course towards a specific point or compass direction).

Because the base word 'Richtung' is feminine ('die Richtung'), the compound word 'Windrichtung' is also feminine ('die Windrichtung'). This is a common rule in German grammar for compound nouns – the gender is determined by the last noun in the compound.

Cardinal Directions (Himmelsrichtungen)

Wind direction is often specified using the four main cardinal directions (Nord - North, Ost - East, Süd - South, West - West) and the intercardinal directions (Nordost - Northeast, Südost - Southeast, Südwest - Southwest, Nordwest - Northwest).