German word

beschreiten

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈʃʁaɪ̯tən/

Meaning

  • verbtake a path

Example

Er beschritt den neuen Weg.

He took the new path.

Illustration for beschreiten (take a path)

More examples

Die Regierung beschreitet einen neuen Kurs in der Energiepolitik.

The government is taking a new course in energy policy.

Core concept

A person steps onto a marked route, with the route also representing a chosen course of action.

Common phrases

  • einen neuen Kurs beschreiten

    take a new course

  • den Rechtsweg beschreiten

    take legal action

Similar words

anfangen: Start something new.
beginnen: Begin an activity or process.
einschlagen: Choose a direction and start following it.
wagen: Dare to begin despite risk or uncertainty.

Definition in German

Einen Weg einschlagen oder Maßnahmen ergreifen; besonders in 'den Rechtsweg beschreiten' für rechtliche Schritte gebräuchlich.

Word origin

Beschreiten is a be-derivation of inherited Germanic schreiten, 'to stride', and extends physical stepping to entering a route or course of action.

Usage tips

  • The verb takes a direct accusative such as den Weg or den Rechtsweg, and its past forms are beschritt and hat beschritten.

Other meanings

  • walkverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word