German word

Weiche

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaɪ̯çə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounswitch

Example

Auf dem Bahnhof sind mehrere Weichen defekt.

Several switches at the station are defective.

Illustration for Weiche (switch)

More examples

Bei der Wartung wurde jede Weiche sorgfältig geprüft.

During maintenance, each switch was carefully inspected.

Core concept

Movable rail sections guide a train from one track into another.

Common phrases

  • die Weiche prüfen

    check the switch

  • defekte Weichen melden

    report defective switches

  • eine Weiche austauschen

    replace a switch

Similar words

Gleis: A section of railway used by trains.
Gleiswechsel: A train's move to a different track or platform.
Bahnhof: A place where trains arrive, depart, and connect.
Zug: A group of rail vehicles carrying passengers or freight.

Definition in German

Eine Vorrichtung auf der Bahnstrecke, die durch verstellbare Schienen das Umleiten von Zügen erlaubt.

Word origin

The noun Weiche developed from weichen, whose older sense includes turning aside or yielding, for a device that changes a train's route.

Usage tips

  • German uses Weiche for a railway switch, while an electrical switch is usually called a Schalter.

Related words

  • Weichenprüfungswitch inspectionnoun
  • Weichenaustauschswitch replacementnoun
  • Weichenbauswitch constructionnoun

Word lists with this word