die Weiche, -n
switch
Ein beweglicher Teil auf einer Bahnstrecke, der Züge auf ein anderes Gleis leiten kann.
The German noun "Weiche" has several meanings depending on context. It principally refers to a "switch" or "turnout" on a railway, which are the mechanical installations enabling trains to move from one track to another. Outside of the rail context, it can also mean "soft" or "tender". It derives from the adjective "weich", which means "soft".
Words with a similar meaning to "Weiche" in the context of railways include "Gleiswechsel" (track switch) or "Weichenstellung" (switch setting). In a metaphorical sense, "Weiche" can also imply a point where a decision is made, which could redirect a course of action.
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Examples
Der Zug fährt über die Weiche.noun
The train runs over the switch.
An der Weiche verzweigt sich das Gleis.noun
At the switch the track branches off.
Eine Weiche kann Züge auf unterschiedliche Gleise leiten.noun
A switch can direct trains onto different tracks.
Die alten Weichen wurden gestern vom Techniker überprüft.noun
The old switches were checked by the technician yesterday.
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