German word

unterwegs

Pronunciation

IPA/ʊntɐˈveːks/

Meaning

  • adverbout and about

Example

Ich bin unterwegs.

I'm out and about.

Illustration for unterwegs (out and about)

More examples

Ich bin unterwegs zum Einkaufen.

I'm on my way to do some shopping.

Core concept

A person temporarily away from the starting place, whether traveling or handling an errand elsewhere.

Common phrases

  • unterwegs sein

    be out and about

  • unterwegs zum Einkaufen

    on the way to do some shopping

  • unterwegs nach Hause

    on the way home

Similar words

draußen: Outside in the open air, not indoors.
auf dem Weg: On the way to a particular destination.
weg: Away from the current place and heading elsewhere.

Definition in German

Nicht am Ausgangsort sein, sondern sich auf dem Weg oder an einem anderen Ort aufhalten.

Word origin

Unterwegs developed from the older phrase under wege, formed from unter and Weg, and originally referred to being on a route.

Usage tips

  • Unlike draußen, unterwegs usually suggests movement, a trip, or being away on an activity rather than merely being outdoors.

Other meanings

  • on the wayadverb
  • along the wayadverb

Opposites

  • zuhauseat homeadverb
  • daheimat homeadverb

Word lists with this word