At the A1 level, 'spazieren gehen' is one of the first multi-part verb phrases you will learn. It is essential for describing your hobbies and daily routines. You should focus on the basic word order: 'Ich gehe spazieren.' Remember that 'gehen' changes (conjugates) depending on the person (ich gehe, du gehst, er geht), but 'spazieren' always stays the same. You will often use it with 'im Park' (in the park) or 'am See' (by the lake). At this stage, don't worry too much about the past tense; just focus on making invitations like 'Gehen wir spazieren?' (Shall we go for a walk?). It is a very friendly and useful phrase for basic social interaction in German-speaking countries. You might also see it in simple reading texts about families or weekend activities. Always keep 'spazieren' at the end of your simple sentences.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'spazieren gehen' in more complex ways, particularly in the past tense. You will learn that it uses 'sein' as an auxiliary verb in the Perfekt tense: 'Ich bin spazieren gegangen.' This is a key milestone in your grammar journey. You will also start adding time expressions and frequency adverbs, such as 'jeden Tag' (every day), 'oft' (often), or 'manchmal' (sometimes). You might also use modal verbs like 'können' (can) or 'wollen' (want), which keep the phrase together at the end: 'Ich möchte spazieren gehen.' At A2, you are expected to describe your weekend in more detail, and 'spazieren gehen' is a perfect phrase to show you can handle verbs of movement and basic sentence brackets.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'spazieren gehen' in all tenses, including the Präteritum (ging spazieren) and the Futur I (werde spazieren gehen). You will also start using it in subordinate clauses where the word order changes: '..., weil ich gerne im Wald spazieren gehe.' You should also be able to distinguish 'spazieren gehen' from related terms like 'wandern' or 'einen Spaziergang machen'. At this level, you might use the phrase to talk about health and lifestyle choices in a discussion or a short essay. You will also encounter the nominalized form 'das Spazierengehen' (the act of walking) and understand how to use it as a subject in a sentence, such as 'Spazierengehen ist gesund für das Herz.'
At the B2 level, you use 'spazieren gehen' with more stylistic variety. You might pair it with complex prepositions or adverbial phrases to give more detail about the environment or the manner of the walk. You should be aware of the cultural significance of the 'Sonntagsspaziergang' and be able to discuss it in the context of German traditions. You will also encounter more idiomatic uses and synonyms like 'flanieren' or 'schlendern' and know exactly when to use them instead of the standard 'spazieren gehen'. Your sentences will become more nuanced: 'Anstatt nur im Park spazieren zu gehen, sollten wir eine richtige Wanderung unternehmen.' You are also expected to use the phrase correctly in the passive voice (though rare) or in infinitive constructions with 'zu'.
At the C1 level, 'spazieren gehen' is often found in literary or philosophical contexts. You will read about the 'Spaziergang' as a metaphor for thought processes in the works of German philosophers and poets. You should be able to appreciate the subtle differences between 'spazieren gehen', 'umherstreifen', and 'promenieren' in a literary text. You might also use the phrase in a metaphorical sense, such as 'seine Gedanken spazieren führen' (to let one's thoughts wander). Your mastery of the grammar should be perfect, allowing you to use the phrase effortlessly in complex hypothetical sentences (Konjunktiv II): 'Wenn ich mehr Zeit hätte, würde ich jeden Nachmittag im Botanischen Garten spazieren gehen.' You understand the register and can use the phrase in both formal and informal settings appropriately.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the phrase and its cultural weight. You can analyze the role of the 'Flaneur' in 20th-century German literature (like in the works of Walter Benjamin) and how it relates to the act of 'spazieren gehen'. You use the phrase with absolute precision and can play with its structure for rhetorical effect. You are familiar with rare or archaic forms and can interpret the nuance of 'spazieren gehen' in historical documents. Whether you are writing a formal essay on urban planning or a poetic description of a landscape, you know exactly how to integrate 'spazieren gehen' to evoke specific emotions or cultural associations. You also understand the legal and social nuances, such as 'Betretungsrecht' (the right to roam) in German forests while walking.

spazieren gehen 30초 만에

  • Spazieren gehen means to go for a leisurely walk or stroll for pleasure, health, or social reasons, rather than for transportation.
  • It is a separable-like phrase where 'gehen' is the conjugated verb and 'spazieren' usually moves to the end of the sentence.
  • In the perfect tense, it always uses 'sein' as the auxiliary verb (e.g., 'Ich bin spazieren gegangen') because it involves movement.
  • Culturally, the 'Sonntagsspaziergang' is a significant tradition in German-speaking countries, emphasizing nature, family, and mental well-being.

The German phrase spazieren gehen is more than just a literal description of movement; it is a cultural institution in German-speaking countries. At its core, it means 'to go for a walk' or 'to take a stroll.' Unlike 'laufen' (which can mean running or simply the act of walking) or 'wandern' (hiking), spazieren gehen implies a lack of urgency. It is an activity done for pleasure, health, or social connection. In Germany, the 'Sonntagsspaziergang' (Sunday walk) is a sacred tradition where families, couples, and individuals head to local parks or forests to clear their heads and enjoy nature. This phrase is used in almost every social context, from a first date to a business meeting held while walking (a 'Walking Meeting').

The Leisure Factor
The primary distinction is the intent. You don't 'spazieren gehen' to catch a bus; you do it to enjoy the fresh air. It is inherently slow and observant.

Nach dem Abendessen möchten wir noch ein wenig spazieren gehen, um die Verdauung anzuregen.

Historically, the term has roots in the Italian word 'spaziare,' meaning to roam or expand. This reflects the mental state associated with the activity—allowing one's thoughts to wander as freely as one's feet. In modern German, it is treated as a multi-word verb phrase. When you conjugate it, the 'gehen' part changes while 'spazieren' usually stays in its infinitive form or moves to the end of the sentence. For example, 'Ich gehe spazieren' (I am going for a walk). It is a very versatile phrase that can be adapted with adverbs like 'gerne' (gladly) or 'oft' (often) to describe lifestyle habits.

Grammatical Structure
In the present tense, 'gehen' is the second element (V2), and 'spazieren' acts like a separable prefix, often landing at the very end of the clause.

Jeden Abend geht mein Großvater im Stadtpark spazieren.

Culturally, Germans value 'Lüften' (airing out) both their rooms and their lungs. Therefore, suggesting to 'spazieren gehen' is a very common social invitation. It is considered polite, healthy, and a great way to have deep conversations without the distraction of technology or the pressure of eye contact in a seated environment. It is also a very common way to describe a low-intensity physical activity in medical or fitness contexts. If a doctor tells you to get more movement, they might suggest 'täglich dreißig Minuten spazieren gehen'.

Social Contexts
Used for dates, family outings, solo reflection, or even when you are just 'killing time' in a beautiful area.

Bist du gestern im Wald spazieren gegangen?

Wir gehen oft am See spazieren.

Using spazieren gehen correctly requires an understanding of German sentence structure, specifically how multi-part verbs function. In a simple main clause, 'gehen' is conjugated and placed in the second position, while 'spazieren' is pushed to the end. This 'sentence bracket' (Satzklammer) is a hallmark of German grammar. For example, 'Ich gehe heute im Park spazieren.' If you add a modal verb like 'wollen' (to want), the whole phrase 'spazieren gehen' stays together at the end in its infinitive form: 'Ich will heute spazieren gehen.'

Present Tense
The verb 'gehen' conjugates: gehe, gehst, geht, gehen, geht, gehen. 'Spazieren' remains unchanged at the end of the clause.

Am Wochenende gehen wir meistens im Wald spazieren.

When talking about the past, you will most likely use the Perfekt tense. Since 'spazieren gehen' involves movement from point A to point B (even if the path is a loop), it uses 'sein' as the auxiliary verb. The past participle of 'gehen' is 'gegangen'. Thus, the full construction is 'sein' + 'spazieren gegangen'. Example: 'Wir sind gestern zwei Stunden spazieren gegangen.' In the Präteritum (simple past), which is more common in writing, it becomes 'ging spazieren'. Example: 'Er ging stundenlang am Strand spazieren.'

Modal Verbs
When using 'können', 'müssen', 'wollen', etc., 'spazieren gehen' stays together as a unit at the end of the sentence.

Möchtest du mit mir am Flussufer spazieren gehen?

Furthermore, you can use the phrase to form nouns. 'Das Spazierengehen' (the act of walking) is a neuter noun. 'Ich liebe das Spazierengehen in den Bergen.' You can also use the related noun 'der Spaziergang'. While 'spazieren gehen' is the action, 'einen Spaziergang machen' (to do/make a walk) is a very common alternative expression that functions similarly but uses the noun form. Both are essentially interchangeable in daily life, though 'spazieren gehen' feels slightly more like a verb-focused activity.

Imperative Form
To tell someone to go for a walk: 'Geh spazieren!' (singular), 'Geht spazieren!' (plural), or 'Gehen Sie spazieren!' (formal).

Wenn du gestresst bist, geh doch einfach eine Runde spazieren.

One final note on usage: intensity. If you want to emphasize that it was a long walk, you might say 'weit spazieren gehen' or 'lange spazieren gehen'. If it was just a quick stroll, 'eine kleine Runde spazieren gehen' is the go-to phrase. This flexibility makes it a staple of the German language, accommodating everything from a 5-minute breath of air to a 3-hour trek through the English Garden in Munich.

If you spend any time in a German-speaking country, you will hear spazieren gehen constantly. It is most prevalent on weekends, particularly Sunday afternoons. Because most shops are closed on Sundays in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the 'Sonntagsspaziergang' becomes the primary form of entertainment. You will hear it in residential neighborhoods as neighbors greet each other: 'Schönes Wetter zum Spazierengehen, nicht wahr?' (Beautiful weather for a walk, isn't it?). It is also a standard suggestion in dating. Rather than meeting for a high-pressure dinner, many Germans prefer to 'eine Runde spazieren gehen' to get to know someone in a relaxed setting.

In the Family Circle
Grandparents often ask their grandchildren: 'Wollen wir ein bisschen spazieren gehen?' It's a way to bond without needing a specific destination.

Oma und Opa gehen jeden Tag nach dem Mittagessen spazieren.

In workplace environments, you might hear it during lunch breaks. Colleagues might say, 'Ich gehe kurz spazieren, um den Kopf freizubekommen' (I'm going for a short walk to clear my head). It's also common in health and wellness circles. Doctors, therapists, and fitness coaches frequently use the phrase when discussing mental health or cardiovascular recovery. In literature and film, spazieren gehen often sets a scene of reflection or romantic tension. Think of a scene in a 'Heimatfilm' where the protagonists walk through a meadow—they are definitely 'spazieren gehen' and not 'rennen'.

Tourism and Travel
Tour guides will often say, 'Hier können Sie wunderbar spazieren gehen,' referring to a promenade or a scenic park.

An der Alster in Hamburg kann man herrlich spazieren gehen.

You will also encounter it in news reports or weather forecasts. A meteorologist might conclude a segment by saying, 'Nutzen Sie das sonnige Wetter, um spazieren zu gehen!' (Use the sunny weather to go for a walk!). Even in philosophy, the 'peripatetic' tradition of walking while thinking is deeply respected in Germany, home to famous walkers like Immanuel Kant, who was known for his extremely punctual daily walk in Königsberg. Thus, the phrase carries a weight of intellectual and physical well-being that 'walking' in English sometimes lacks.

Weather-Related Usage
Germans have a saying: 'Es gibt kein schlechtes Wetter, nur schlechte Kleidung' (There is no bad weather, only bad clothing). This applies directly to 'spazieren gehen'.

Trotz des Regens sind wir im Wald spazieren gegangen.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing spazieren gehen with laufen or wandern. In English, 'walking' covers a lot of ground. In German, if you say 'Ich bin heute 10 Kilometer gelaufen,' people might think you went for a run or that you walked very fast. If you say 'Ich bin gewandert,' they will assume you had boots, a backpack, and were in the mountains. Use spazieren gehen specifically for leisure. Another common error is using the wrong auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. Because it's a verb of movement, you must use 'sein', not 'haben'. Saying 'Ich habe spazieren gegangen' is a classic beginner mistake.

The 'Sein' vs 'Haben' Trap
Always use 'bin/bist/ist/sind' with 'spazieren gegangen'. This is non-negotiable for movement verbs.

Falsch: Ich habe im Park spazieren gegangen.
Richtig: Ich bin im Park spazieren gegangen.

Word order is another stumbling block. Remember that 'spazieren' and 'gehen' split up in a standard sentence. Beginners often try to keep them together because they think of it as a single unit like the English 'go walking'. You cannot say 'Ich spazieren gehe heute.' The conjugated verb 'gehen' must be in the second position. Furthermore, don't confuse the verb phrase with the noun 'Spaziergang'. You 'machen' (make) a 'Spaziergang', but you 'gehen' (go) 'spazieren'. Mixing the two—like 'Ich gehe einen Spaziergang'—is grammatically incorrect.

Preposition Pitfalls
Use 'im' (in the) for parks or forests, 'am' (at the) for water/rivers, and 'durch' (through) for cities or neighborhoods.

Wir gehen durch die Altstadt spazieren.

Lastly, be careful with 'spazieren' vs. 'spazieren gehen'. While 'Ich spaziere' is technically a valid verb (spazieren), it sounds somewhat old-fashioned or poetic. In 99% of daily conversations, Germans will use the full phrase 'spazieren gehen'. Using just 'spazieren' can make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel. Stick to the phrase to sound natural and modern. Also, ensure you don't confuse 'spazieren' with 'stolzieren' (to strut), which has a much more arrogant connotation.

Spelling Note
Always write 'spazieren gehen' as two words. In the past, it was sometimes joined, but current orthography rules prefer the separation.

Morgen gehen wir alle zusammen spazieren.

While spazieren gehen is the most common way to express taking a walk, German offers a rich palette of alternatives depending on the speed, location, and vibe of your movement. If you want to sound more sophisticated, you might use flanieren. This word implies walking slowly through a city specifically to see things and be seen by others—think of a posh shopping street in Düsseldorf or Paris. Then there is schlendern, which is very similar to 'strolling' and emphasizes a relaxed, almost aimless pace, often with a slight swaying motion.

spazieren gehen vs. wandern
Spazieren gehen is for the park in sneakers; wandern is for the mountains in boots. Wandern implies a longer duration and more effort.

Wir schlendern gemütlich über den Weihnachtsmarkt.

If you are walking specifically to get some exercise or 'stretch your legs' after sitting for a long time, the phrase sich die Beine vertreten is perfect. It literally means 'to represent/stand for one's legs' but is used exactly like 'to stretch one's legs'. For those walking with a dog, Gassi gehen is the essential term. You wouldn't say 'Ich gehe mit meinem Hund wandern' unless you are actually on a mountain trail. In a more urban or 'tough' context, you might hear latschen, which is a slightly derogatory or informal way of saying 'walking' (often implying a long, boring, or tiring walk).

spazieren gehen vs. flanieren
Flanieren is urban and stylish; spazieren gehen is general and can be in nature or the city.

Ich muss mir kurz die Beine vertreten, ich sitze schon zu lange am PC.

Another interesting alternative is einen Spaziergang machen. While almost identical in meaning to spazieren gehen, it focuses on the 'walk' as a discrete event or a unit. You might say 'Lass uns einen kleinen Spaziergang machen' to suggest a specific route or timeframe. Finally, there is umherstreifen, which means 'to roam' or 'to wander around' without a fixed path, often used in nature or in a mystical sense in literature. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right mood and setting.

Summary of Alternatives
- Schlendern: Stroll (relaxed)
- Flanieren: Stroll (urbane/display)
- Wandern: Hike (strenuous/nature)
- Gassi gehen: Walk the dog
- Die Beine vertreten: Stretch the legs

Die Touristen flanieren über die Königsallee.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In the 18th century, 'spazieren gehen' became a status symbol for the bourgeoisie. While peasants walked because they had to, the middle class walked 'spazieren' to show they had the free time and the culture to do so without a productive purpose.

발음 가이드

UK /ʃpaˈtsiːʁən ˈɡeːən/
US /ʃpɑˈtsirən ˈɡeɪən/
Primary stress is on the second syllable of 'spazieren' (zi) and on the first syllable of 'gehen' (ge).
라임이 맞는 단어
verlieren (rhymes with spazieren) probieren (rhymes with spazieren) studieren (rhymes with spazieren) stehen (rhymes with gehen) sehen (rhymes with gehen) drehen (rhymes with gehen) wehen (rhymes with gehen) verstehen (rhymes with gehen)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'sp' as 'sp' (like English spin) instead of 'shp'.
  • Pronouncing 'z' as 'z' (like English zebra) instead of 'ts'.
  • Making the 'h' in 'gehen' audible; it is silent and serves to lengthen the preceding vowel.
  • Using a short 'i' in 'spazieren' instead of a long 'ee' sound.
  • Failing to separate the two words in speech with a tiny micro-pause.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though the split verb can be tricky for beginners.

쓰기 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'sein' auxiliary in the perfect tense and correct word order.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation of 'sp' and 'z' needs practice, but the phrase is very common.

듣기 2/5

Easy to hear, but the 'spazieren' part might be far from 'gehen' in long sentences.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

gehen Park Wald gut heute

다음에 배울 것

wandern flanieren der Spaziergang Gassi gehen sich bewegen

고급

der Flaneur die Muße die Entschleunigung peripatetisch das Betretungsrecht

알아야 할 문법

Separable-like phrases in V2 sentences

Ich **gehe** heute **spazieren**.

Perfect tense with 'sein' for movement verbs

Wir **sind** gestern **spazieren gegangen**.

Modal verb sentence structure

Du **musst** öfter **spazieren gehen**.

Subordinate clause word order

Ich bleibe fit, weil ich viel **spazieren gehe**.

Nominalization of verbs

Das **Spazierengehen** macht mir Spaß.

수준별 예문

1

Ich gehe im Park spazieren.

I go for a walk in the park.

Simple present tense; 'gehe' is in 2nd position, 'spazieren' is at the end.

2

Gehst du heute spazieren?

Are you going for a walk today?

Question form; verb 'gehst' starts the sentence.

3

Wir gehen zusammen spazieren.

We are going for a walk together.

Plural subject 'wir' with conjugated verb 'gehen'.

4

Er geht gerne spazieren.

He likes going for walks.

Use of 'gerne' to express liking the activity.

5

Gehen wir am Sonntag spazieren?

Shall we go for a walk on Sunday?

Time expression 'am Sonntag' placed before the activity.

6

Meine Mutter geht im Wald spazieren.

My mother goes for a walk in the forest.

Prepositional phrase 'im Wald' (in the forest).

7

Ich gehe nicht spazieren, es regnet.

I am not going for a walk, it's raining.

Negation with 'nicht' before the infinitive-like 'spazieren'.

8

Sie geht jeden Morgen spazieren.

She goes for a walk every morning.

Frequency expression 'jeden Morgen'.

1

Ich bin gestern im Park spazieren gegangen.

I went for a walk in the park yesterday.

Perfekt tense with 'sein' and 'gegangen'.

2

Wir sind zwei Stunden spazieren gegangen.

We went for a walk for two hours.

Duration 'zwei Stunden' added to the Perfekt construction.

3

Möchtest du mit mir spazieren gehen?

Would you like to go for a walk with me?

Modal verb 'möchten' keeps 'spazieren gehen' at the end.

4

Bist du am Wochenende spazieren gegangen?

Did you go for a walk on the weekend?

Question in the Perfekt tense.

5

Ich kann heute nicht spazieren gehen.

I cannot go for a walk today.

Modal verb 'kann' with negation.

6

Sie ist mit ihrem Hund spazieren gegangen.

She went for a walk with her dog.

Use of 'mit' (with) plus dative case.

7

Wir wollen am See spazieren gehen.

We want to go for a walk by the lake.

Modal verb 'wollen' expressing intent.

8

Er ist langsam spazieren gegangen.

He went for a walk slowly.

Adverb 'langsam' describing the manner of walking.

1

Obwohl es kalt war, sind wir spazieren gegangen.

Although it was cold, we went for a walk.

Conjunction 'obwohl' (although) with a subordinate clause.

2

Ich gehe gerne spazieren, um den Kopf freizubekommen.

I like to go for a walk to clear my head.

Infinitive clause with 'um... zu' (in order to).

3

Wenn das Wetter schön ist, gehen wir spazieren.

If the weather is nice, we go for a walk.

Conditional 'wenn' clause; main clause starts with the verb 'gehen'.

4

Er hat gesagt, dass er gestern spazieren gegangen ist.

He said that he went for a walk yesterday.

Indirect speech with 'dass' and Perfekt tense at the end.

5

Spazieren zu gehen ist meine liebste Freizeitbeschäftigung.

Going for a walk is my favorite leisure activity.

Infinitive with 'zu' used as a subject.

6

Wir sind durch die ganze Stadt spazieren gegangen.

We went for a walk through the whole city.

Preposition 'durch' followed by the accusative case.

7

Früher ging mein Opa jeden Tag stundenlang spazieren.

In the past, my grandpa used to go for walks for hours every day.

Präteritum (simple past) 'ging... spazieren'.

8

Ich freue mich darauf, am Strand spazieren zu gehen.

I am looking forward to walking on the beach.

Phrasal verb 'sich freuen auf' with a 'zu' infinitive.

1

Das tägliche Spazierengehen trägt maßgeblich zur Gesundheit bei.

Daily walking contributes significantly to health.

Nominalized verb 'Spazierengehen' used as a noun.

2

Anstatt fernzusehen, sollten wir lieber spazieren gehen.

Instead of watching TV, we should rather go for a walk.

Comparison with 'anstatt... zu' and modal verb 'sollten'.

3

Während sie spazieren gingen, besprachen sie ihre Zukunftspläne.

While they were walking, they discussed their future plans.

Conjunction 'während' (while) with the Präteritum.

4

Es gibt nichts Entspannenderes, als im Herbst spazieren zu gehen.

There is nothing more relaxing than going for a walk in autumn.

Comparative 'als' with a 'zu' infinitive.

5

Er behauptet, regelmäßig im Botanischen Garten spazieren zu gehen.

He claims to go for walks in the Botanical Garden regularly.

Infinitive construction after the verb 'behaupten'.

6

Trotz seiner Knieprobleme geht er weiterhin täglich spazieren.

Despite his knee problems, he continues to go for a walk daily.

Preposition 'trotz' (despite) with genitive case.

7

Sie sind so lange spazieren gegangen, bis es dunkel wurde.

They went for a walk until it got dark.

Temporal clause with 'bis' (until).

8

Man sollte sich Zeit nehmen, um einfach nur spazieren zu gehen.

One should take time just to go for a walk.

Reflexive verb 'sich Zeit nehmen' with 'um... zu'.

1

Das Spazierengehen ist eine Form der meditativen Fortbewegung.

Walking is a form of meditative movement.

Abstract nominalization and complex predicate.

2

Kant war dafür bekannt, seine philosophischen Gedanken beim Spazierengehen zu ordnen.

Kant was known for organizing his philosophical thoughts while walking.

Passive construction 'bekannt sein dafür' with a prepositional infinitive.

3

Wir ließen unsere Blicke schweifen, während wir gemächlich spazieren gingen.

We let our gazes wander while we strolled leisurely.

Idiomatic expression 'Blicke schweifen lassen' with 'während'.

4

In der Literatur dient das Spazierengehen oft als Motiv für innere Einkehr.

In literature, walking often serves as a motif for inner reflection.

Formal verb 'dienen als' (serves as).

5

Es ist fraglich, ob das bloße Spazierengehen als sportliche Betätigung ausreicht.

It is questionable whether mere walking suffices as athletic activity.

Indirect question with 'ob' (whether).

6

Oftmals gehen wir nur deshalb spazieren, um der Hektik des Alltags zu entfliehen.

Often we go for a walk only to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Causal 'deshalb... um... zu' structure.

7

Er pflegte stundenlang am Ufer der Elbe spazieren zu gehen.

He was accustomed to walking for hours along the banks of the Elbe.

Verb 'pflegen' used to describe a habit.

8

Das Spazierengehen ermöglicht eine ganz andere Wahrnehmung der Umgebung.

Walking enables a completely different perception of the surroundings.

Noun-focused formal sentence.

1

Das Flanieren, eine gehobene Form des Spazierengehens, war im 19. Jahrhundert ein gesellschaftliches Muss.

Flânerie, an elevated form of walking, was a social must in the 19th century.

Apposition and historical context.

2

Man könnte fast sagen, dass das Spazierengehen eine verlorene Kunst in unserer beschleunigten Welt ist.

One could almost say that walking is a lost art in our accelerated world.

Subjunctive II 'könnte' and metaphorical usage.

3

Die philosophische Tradition des Peripatetismus gründet auf dem Prinzip des Denkens beim Spazierengehen.

The philosophical tradition of Peripateticism is based on the principle of thinking while walking.

Academic vocabulary and complex prepositional objects.

4

Ungeachtet der widrigen Umstände ließen sie es sich nicht nehmen, jeden Abend spazieren zu gehen.

Regardless of the adverse circumstances, they insisted on going for a walk every evening.

Advanced preposition 'ungeachtet' and idiom 'sich etwas nicht nehmen lassen'.

5

In seinem Essay reflektiert der Autor über die existenzielle Bedeutung des ziellosen Spazierengehens.

In his essay, the author reflects on the existential significance of aimless walking.

Formal academic register.

6

Das Spazierengehen fungiert hierbei als Katalysator für kreative Durchbrüche.

Walking acts here as a catalyst for creative breakthroughs.

Technical/scientific metaphor.

7

Es bedarf einer gewissen Muße, um sich voll und ganz auf das Spazierengehen einzulassen.

It requires a certain leisure to fully engage in walking.

Impersonal 'es bedarf' with genitive case.

8

Die Poetik des Spazierengehens durchzieht das gesamte Werk dieses Schriftstellers.

The poetics of walking permeate the entire work of this writer.

Abstract literary analysis.

동의어

schlendern flanieren einen Spaziergang machen promenieren wandern latschen umherstreifen sich die Beine vertreten

반의어

rennen stehen bleiben sitzen eilen

자주 쓰는 조합

im Park spazieren gehen
am See spazieren gehen
eine Runde spazieren gehen
gerne spazieren gehen
täglich spazieren gehen
gemeinsam spazieren gehen
stundenlang spazieren gehen
gemütlich spazieren gehen
alleine spazieren gehen
bei jedem Wetter spazieren gehen

자주 쓰는 구문

Wollen wir spazieren gehen?

— The standard invitation to go for a walk. Very polite and common.

Es ist so sonnig draußen. Wollen wir spazieren gehen?

Lust auf einen Spaziergang?

— A more informal way to ask if someone wants to go for a walk.

Hey, hast du Lust auf einen Spaziergang im Wald?

Ich bin mal kurz spazieren.

— A way to say 'I'm just going out for a short walk' when leaving a room.

Ich bin mal kurz spazieren, bin in 20 Minuten wieder da.

Eine Runde um den Block gehen.

— To go for a quick walk around the block/neighborhood.

Ich muss mal kurz eine Runde um den Block gehen.

Frische Luft schnappen.

— Literally 'to snap/grab fresh air', often used synonymously with a walk.

Ich gehe kurz frische Luft schnappen.

Den Kopf freibekommen.

— To clear one's head, the primary reason for 'spazieren gehen'.

Nach der Arbeit gehe ich spazieren, um den Kopf freizubekommen.

Einen Verdauungsspaziergang machen.

— To take a walk specifically to help digestion after a heavy meal.

Nach dem Gänsebraten machen wir einen Verdauungsspaziergang.

In den Park gehen.

— Often implies going there to 'spazieren gehen'.

Komm, wir gehen in den Park.

Sich die Beine vertreten.

— To stretch one's legs, usually after a long period of sitting.

Bei der Autobahnraststätte haben wir uns die Beine vertreten.

Gassi gehen.

— The specific term for taking a dog out for its business/walk.

Ich muss noch schnell mit dem Hund Gassi gehen.

자주 혼동되는 단어

spazieren gehen vs laufen

Laufen can mean running or just walking as a function. Spazieren gehen is always for leisure.

spazieren gehen vs wandern

Wandern is hiking (long distance, gear, mountains). Spazieren gehen is short and easy.

spazieren gehen vs gehen

Gehen is the general verb for 'to go' or 'to walk'. Spazieren gehen is the specific recreational activity.

관용어 및 표현

"mit jemandem spazieren gehen"

— To go for a walk with someone; also used metaphorically for leading someone along.

Er ist mit ihr im Park spazieren gegangen.

neutral
"seine Gedanken spazieren führen"

— To let one's thoughts wander or to contemplate things while walking.

Beim Wandern kann man seine Gedanken wunderbar spazieren führen.

literary
"jemanden spazieren führen"

— To take someone out for a walk, but also can mean to trick or deceive someone (rare).

Die Krankenschwester führt den Patienten im Garten spazieren.

neutral
"einen Spaziergang in der Sonne machen"

— To enjoy life or have an easy time (metaphorical).

Die Prüfung war wie ein Spaziergang in der Sonne.

informal
"das ist kein Spaziergang"

— That is no easy task; it's difficult or strenuous.

Die neue Stelle in der Firma ist definitiv kein Spaziergang.

informal
"Gassi gehen"

— To walk the dog (idiomatic use of 'Gassi').

Bist du heute schon mit dem Hund Gassi gegangen?

neutral
"spazieren fahren"

— To go for a leisure drive (in a car, boat, or bike).

Am Sonntag fahren wir gerne mit dem Cabrio spazieren.

neutral
"jemanden an der Nase herumführen"

— Not directly related to walking, but implies leading someone around (deceiving them).

Er hat uns alle an der Nase herumgeführt.

informal
"einen Sprung machen"

— To go somewhere quickly (often a short walk).

Ich mache mal kurz einen Sprung zum Bäcker.

informal
"sich die Füße platt laufen"

— The opposite of a nice stroll: to walk so much that your feet hurt.

Ich habe mir in der Stadt die Füße platt gelaufen.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

spazieren gehen vs spazieren

It looks like a complete verb.

While 'spazieren' is a verb, it is rarely used alone. 'Spazieren gehen' is the standard phrase for the activity.

Er spaziert durch den Garten (Poetic) vs. Er geht im Garten spazieren (Normal).

spazieren gehen vs stolzieren

Sounds similar to spazieren.

Stolzieren means 'to strut' or walk in a proud, arrogant way. Spazieren is just relaxing.

Der Pfau stolziert durch den Park.

spazieren gehen vs marschieren

Another way of walking.

Marschieren is marching (military style or very determined). Spazieren is the opposite of that.

Die Soldaten marschieren zur Kaserne.

spazieren gehen vs bummeln

Leisurely walking.

Bummeln usually implies window shopping or being in a city center. Spazieren is more general.

Wir bummeln gerne durch die Einkaufsstraße.

spazieren gehen vs Gassi gehen

Walking with a dog.

Gassi gehen is specifically for the dog's needs. Spazieren gehen is for the human (though the dog can come).

Ich muss noch Gassi gehen.

문장 패턴

A1

Ich gehe [Ort] spazieren.

Ich gehe im Park spazieren.

A2

Ich bin [Ort] spazieren gegangen.

Ich bin gestern im Wald spazieren gegangen.

B1

Ich möchte [Ort] spazieren gehen, um [Grund].

Ich möchte am See spazieren gehen, um zu entspannen.

B1

Wenn [Bedingung], gehe ich spazieren.

Wenn die Sonne scheint, gehe ich spazieren.

B2

Anstatt zu [Verb], gehen wir lieber spazieren.

Anstatt zu arbeiten, gehen wir lieber spazieren.

C1

Das [Adjektiv] Spazierengehen dient der [Nomen].

Das tägliche Spazierengehen dient der Gesundheitsvorsorge.

C2

Ungeachtet [Genitiv] gehen wir spazieren.

Ungeachtet des Schneesturms gehen wir spazieren.

C2

Es bedarf [Genitiv], um spazieren zu gehen.

Es bedarf der Muße, um stundenlang spazieren zu gehen.

어휘 가족

명사

der Spaziergang (the walk)
der Spaziergänger (the walker/stroller)
die Spaziergängerin (the female walker)
das Spazierengehen (the act of walking)
der Sonntagsspaziergang (the Sunday walk)

동사

spazieren (to stroll - less common alone)
ausgehen (to go out)
umhergehen (to walk around)
vorbeigehen (to walk past)
weitergehen (to keep walking)

형용사

spazierfreudig (fond of walking)
gehbar (walkable - rare)
gängig (common/current - related to gehen)

관련

der Gehweg (sidewalk)
die Gehzeit (walking time)
das Gehvermögen (ability to walk)
die Promenade (promenade)
der Wanderweg (hiking trail)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in daily German life and media.

자주 하는 실수
  • Ich habe spazieren gegangen. Ich bin spazieren gegangen.

    Movement verbs in the perfect tense require the auxiliary verb 'sein', not 'haben'.

  • Ich spazieren gehe im Park. Ich gehe im Park spazieren.

    In German main clauses, the conjugated verb (gehen) must be in the second position.

  • Ich gehe einen Spaziergang. Ich mache einen Spaziergang. / Ich gehe spazieren.

    You 'make' (machen) a walk (noun) or you 'go' (gehen) walking (verb phrase). You cannot 'go a walk'.

  • Wir gehen wandern im Stadtpark. Wir gehen im Stadtpark spazieren.

    Wandern is for hiking in nature/mountains. For a city park, 'spazieren gehen' is the correct term.

  • Ich gehe heute spazierengehen. Ich gehe heute spazieren.

    You don't need to repeat 'gehen'. The phrase is 'spazieren gehen'.

The Sentence Bracket

Always remember that in a standard sentence, 'gehen' is the second word and 'spazieren' is the last. 'Ich **gehe** heute mit meiner Freundin im Park **spazieren**.'

Leisure vs. Utility

Use 'spazieren gehen' only for leisure. If you are walking to the supermarket because your car is broken, use 'zu Fuß gehen' or just 'gehen'.

Sunday Tradition

If you want to fit in with Germans, go for a walk on Sunday afternoon. It's the most common time for this activity.

The Sharp Z

Make sure the 'z' in spazieren sounds like 'ts' (as in 'cats'). Avoid the buzzing 'z' sound found in English.

Auxiliary 'Sein'

Never use 'haben' with 'spazieren gegangen'. It is always 'Ich bin...', 'Wir sind...', etc.

A Great Invitation

Suggesting a walk is a low-pressure way to meet someone. 'Wollen wir eine Runde spazieren gehen?' is a perfect conversation starter.

Weather Proof

Don't be afraid to use this phrase even in bad weather. Germans 'gehen spazieren' in rain, snow, or wind!

Clear Your Head

Combine 'spazieren gehen' with 'den Kopf freibekommen'. It's a very natural way to explain why you are going for a walk.

Nominalization

If you want to use it as a noun, capitalize and join it: 'Das Spazierengehen'. 'Das Spazierengehen ist gesund.'

Spazieren vs. Wandern

If the path has a lot of incline or requires special boots, switch from 'spazieren' to 'wandern'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the 'Space' in 'spazieren'. You are creating 'Space' in your day to 'Go' (gehen) and clear your mind. Spazieren = Space-ing out while walking.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person in a park with a 'Z' on their shirt (for spa-Z-ieren) walking very slowly past a 'Go' sign (for gehen).

Word Web

Wald Park Schuhe Sonne Entspannung Frische Luft Beine Sonntag

챌린지

Try to use the phrase 'spazieren gehen' in three different tenses today: 'Ich gehe spazieren' (Present), 'Ich bin spazieren gegangen' (Past), and 'Ich will spazieren gehen' (Modal).

어원

The word 'spazieren' entered German in the 15th century from the Italian word 'spaziare', which means 'to roam' or 'to extend'. This Italian word itself comes from the Latin 'spatiari', meaning 'to walk about' or 'to spread out', derived from 'spatium' (space).

원래 의미: The original meaning focused on the expansion of one's presence or the occupying of space through movement, rather than just the physical act of walking.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > (loaned into) Germanic.

문화적 맥락

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that 'spazieren gehen' is a neutral/positive term. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 'Spaziergänger' became a coded term for protesters against lockdown measures in Germany.

In the US or UK, 'walking' is often seen as exercise (power walking) or transportation. The specific German concept of 'spazieren gehen' as a slow, mandatory Sunday ritual is less prevalent in car-centric cultures.

Immanuel Kant's daily walk in Königsberg (so punctual neighbors set their watches by him). Goethe's 'Osterspaziergang' (Easter Walk) from the play Faust. The 'Montagsdemonstrationen' in the GDR, often called 'Spaziergänge' to avoid police intervention.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Weekend Leisure

  • Was machst du am Sonntag?
  • Ich gehe im Wald spazieren.
  • Das Wetter ist herrlich.
  • Kommst du mit?

Health and Wellness

  • Bewegung ist wichtig.
  • Ich gehe täglich spazieren.
  • Es hilft gegen Stress.
  • Die frische Luft tut gut.

Dating

  • Wollen wir uns im Park treffen?
  • Wir können eine Runde spazieren gehen.
  • Dabei kann man gut reden.
  • Hast du morgen Zeit?

Family Life

  • Zieh deine Schuhe an!
  • Wir gehen jetzt spazieren.
  • Oma kommt auch mit.
  • Guck mal, ein Eichhörnchen!

Work Break

  • Ich brauche eine Pause.
  • Ich gehe kurz spazieren.
  • Willst du mitkommen?
  • Bis gleich!

대화 시작하기

"Gehst du am Wochenende oft im Wald oder lieber im Park spazieren?"

"Was war der schönste Ort, an dem du jemals spazieren gegangen bist?"

"Magst du es, alleine spazieren zu gehen, oder brauchst du Gesellschaft?"

"Gehst du auch bei Regen spazieren, oder bleibst du lieber zu Hause?"

"Wie lange gehst du normalerweise spazieren, wenn du den Kopf freibekommen willst?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe deinen letzten Spaziergang. Wo warst du und was hast du gesehen?

Warum ist spazieren gehen für viele Menschen in Deutschland so wichtig?

Schreibe über einen Spaziergang, der dein Denken über ein Problem verändert hat.

Was ist der Unterschied zwischen spazieren gehen und wandern für dich persönlich?

Stell dir vor, du gehst mit einer berühmten Person spazieren. Wer ist es und worüber redet ihr?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is written as two separate words: 'spazieren gehen'. In the past, it was sometimes joined, but modern German spelling rules prefer the separation. When you nominalize it, however, it becomes 'das Spazierengehen' (one word, capitalized).

You always use 'sein'. Because 'spazieren gehen' involves a change of location (even if you walk in a circle), it follows the rule for movement verbs. Example: 'Ich bin spazieren gegangen.' Using 'haben' is a common mistake for English speakers.

They are almost identical in meaning. 'Spazieren gehen' is a verb phrase, while 'einen Spaziergang machen' uses a noun. The latter can feel slightly more formal or suggest a more defined 'unit' of walking, but in 99% of cases, they are interchangeable.

No, that would sound strange to a German. If you are in the mountains with hiking boots and a backpack, you should use 'wandern'. 'Spazieren gehen' implies a flat path, casual clothes, and a shorter duration.

You only conjugate the 'gehen' part and place it in the second position of the sentence. 'Spazieren' goes to the end. Example: 'Ich gehe spazieren', 'Du gehst spazieren', 'Er geht spazieren', etc.

Usually not. If you are walking to work, you are just 'zu Fuß gehen' (going on foot). 'Spazieren gehen' is strictly for leisure or pleasure. If you 'spazieren gehen' to work, it implies you are taking a very long, slow, and indirect route for fun.

It means 'to go for a round/loop walk'. It's a very common way to describe a typical walk that starts and ends at the same place, like a loop in a park or around the neighborhood.

Yes, this is perfectly correct. While 'Gassi gehen' is the specific term for walking a dog, 'mit dem Hund spazieren gehen' is also very common and sounds slightly more formal or focused on the shared activity.

It comes from the Italian word 'spaziare' (to roam), which has its roots in the Latin 'spatiari'. It entered the German language in the 15th century.

Yes, absolutely. Many Germans list 'Spazierengehen' as one of their primary hobbies. It is seen as a way to maintain physical health and mental balance, especially on Sundays.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a sentence in the present tense: 'I am going for a walk in the park.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in the perfect tense: 'We went for a walk yesterday.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Do you want to go for a walk by the lake?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use a modal verb: 'He wants to go for a walk.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe why you go for a walk (use 'um... zu').

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'weil': 'I am going for a walk because the sun is shining.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'My grandfather goes for a walk every morning.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the noun form: 'Walking is healthy.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write an invitation: 'Shall we go for a walk in the forest?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I went for a walk for three hours.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'obwohl': 'Although it is raining, they are going for a walk.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in the Präteritum: 'She strolled along the beach.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I need to clear my head, so I'm going for a walk.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'während': 'While we were walking, we talked.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Daily walking is good for the heart.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a command: 'Go for a walk!' (formal)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I look forward to walking in the mountains.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'anstatt': 'Instead of sitting, we should go for a walk.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He claims that he goes for a walk every day.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a complex sentence: 'Whenever I am stressed, I go for a walk in the forest.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am going for a walk' in German.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask a friend if they want to go for a walk.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I went for a walk yesterday' in German.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce 'spazieren' correctly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I like walking in the forest.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Let's go for a walk!'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I go for a walk to relax.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask: 'Where did you go for a walk?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I go for a walk every day.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The weather is good for walking.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell someone to go for a walk (imperative).

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'We are walking by the river.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I want to go for a walk alone.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Walking is my hobby.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'We walked for a long time.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich gehe im Park spazieren.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Bist du spazieren gegangen?'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wir wollen am See spazieren gehen.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Gehen wir am Sonntag spazieren?'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich bin gestern stundenlang spazieren gegangen.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Tägliches Spazierengehen ist sehr gesund.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Sie geht gerne im Wald spazieren.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Wollen wir eine kleine Runde spazieren gehen?'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Er ist mit seinem Hund spazieren gegangen.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ich gehe spazieren, wenn die Sonne scheint.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

도움이 되었나요?
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!