Meaning
To have a lasting and significant impact.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used in the context of 'Erinnerungskultur' (culture of remembrance), particularly regarding WWII and the Holocaust. In Vienna, the phrase might be used to describe the lasting influence of the Habsburg Monarchy on the city's architecture and social etiquette. Used to describe the impact of direct democracy on the Swiss political landscape. In German-speaking corporate culture, leaving 'deep tracks' is seen as the ultimate goal of a 'Nachhaltigkeitsstrategie' (sustainability strategy).
Use it in Writing
This is a 'power phrase' for the Goethe B2 or TestDaF exams. It shows you can use high-level collocations.
Don't use 'machen'
Remember: tracks are left (hinterlassen), not made (machen) in this idiom.
Meaning
To have a lasting and significant impact.
Use it in Writing
This is a 'power phrase' for the Goethe B2 or TestDaF exams. It shows you can use high-level collocations.
Don't use 'machen'
Remember: tracks are left (hinterlassen), not made (machen) in this idiom.
Test Yourself
Füllen Sie die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'hinterlassen'.
Seine mutigen Entscheidungen haben tiefe Spuren in der Geschichte ______.
'Hinterlassen' is an inseparable verb; its past participle is also 'hinterlassen'.
Welcher Satz ist korrekt?
Wie sagt man, dass ein Lehrer einen großen Einfluss auf einen Schüler hatte?
We use 'bei' + Dativ for people who are influenced.
Ordnen Sie die Situationen der passenden Bedeutung zu.
Match context to meaning:
All these contexts are perfect for 'tiefe Spuren hinterlassen'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesSeine mutigen Entscheidungen haben tiefe Spuren in der Geschichte ______.
'Hinterlassen' is an inseparable verb; its past participle is also 'hinterlassen'.
Wie sagt man, dass ein Lehrer einen großen Einfluss auf einen Schüler hatte?
We use 'bei' + Dativ for people who are influenced.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All these contexts are perfect for 'tiefe Spuren hinterlassen'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, absolutely. A war, a crisis, or a bad experience can leave 'tiefe Spuren'.
Almost always. 'Eine tiefe Spur hinterlassen' is possible but much less common.
Related Phrases
einen bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen
similarTo leave a lasting impression.
seinen Stempel aufdrücken
similarTo put one's stamp on something.
Spuren verwischen
contrastTo cover one's tracks.
