unterwegs
on the way · underway · out and about
Es bedeutet, dass man nicht zu Hause oder an einem festen Ort ist, sondern sich von einem Ort zu einem anderen bewegt oder gerade auf Reisen ist.
The German word "unterwegs" is an adverb and adjective meaning "on the way", "en route", or "traveling".
- It is made up of two parts:
- unter = "under" or "among"
- wegs = a form related to "Weg," meaning "way" or "path"
Similar words include:
- auf Reisen sein (to be traveling)
- unterwegs sein (to be on the way)
- fort sein (to be gone, away)
Difference:
- "unterwegs" specifically emphasizes being in transit or on the move.
- "auf Reisen sein" usually refers to being on a trip, often longer or planned.
- "fort sein" simply means being away, without necessarily indicating movement.
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Examples
Ich bin unterwegs zum Supermarkt.adverb
I am on the way to the supermarket.
Er ist unterwegs nach Hause.adverb
He is on his way home.
Wir sind gerade unterwegs zum Bahnhof.adverb
We are currently on the way to the train station.
Wir sind heute den ganzen Tag unterwegs.adverb
We are out and about all day today.
Meine Freunde sind gerne unterwegs.adverb
My friends like being out and about.
Menschen treffen sich manchmal unterwegs.adverb
People sometimes meet while on the way.
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