German Names of 50 Common Hiking Terms: A Beginner’s Guide for Hikers

Hiking, or Wandern in German, is one of the best ways to explore nature, stay active, and experience the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a hiking trip in a German-speaking country or want to expand your vocabulary for hiking-related conversations, knowing key German hiking terms is essential. From navigating trails to describing the landscape and talking about gear, mastering this vocabulary will enhance your hiking experience and help you communicate better with fellow hikers. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 50 common German hiking terms, categorized into general hiking terms, hiking equipment, landscapes and terrain, trail navigation, and safety and preparation. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to talk about hiking adventures, plan trips, and navigate trails in German-speaking regions with confidence.

German for hikers

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1. General Hiking Terms (Allgemeine Wanderbegriffe)

These basic hiking terms will help you discuss the overall hiking experience, from setting off on the trail to sharing stories about your adventures. Whether you’re talking about your love for hiking or planning a trip, these words are essential.

1. Das Wandern – Hiking

2. Die Wanderung – Hike (the event)

3. Der Wanderer / Die Wanderin – Hiker (male/female)

4. Der Wanderweg – Hiking trail

5. Der Gipfel – Summit

6. Die Route – Route

7. Die Strecke – Distance

8. Die Wanderkarte – Hiking map

9. Der Ausblick – View

10. Das Ziel – Destination/Goal

Tip: Use these terms to talk about your hike: "Die Wanderung war anstrengend, aber der Ausblick vom Gipfel war unglaublich." (The hike was tough, but the view from the summit was incredible.)

2. Hiking Equipment (Wanderausrüstung)

Having the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. These German terms will help you talk about the hiking equipment you need, from your boots to your backpack and everything in between.

11. Der Rucksack – Backpack

12. Die Wanderstiefel – Hiking boots

13. Die Trinkflasche – Water bottle

14. Die Regenjacke – Rain jacket

15. Das Erste-Hilfe-Set – First aid kit

16. Der Kompass – Compass

17. Das Zelt – Tent (for multi-day hikes)

18. Die Wanderstöcke – Hiking poles

19. Die Landkarte – Map

20. Das Fernglas – Binoculars

Tip: Describe your gear: "Ich habe meinen Rucksack mit einer Regenjacke, Trinkflasche und Landkarte gepackt." (I packed my backpack with a rain jacket, water bottle, and map.)

3. Landscapes and Terrain (Landschaften und Gelände)

Hiking takes you through a variety of landscapes and terrains. These German terms will help you describe the environment around you, from forests and mountains to rivers and valleys.

21. Der Berg – Mountain

22. Der Hügel – Hill

23. Das Tal – Valley

24. Der Fluss – River

25. Der See – Lake

26. Die Wiese – Meadow

27. Der Felsen – Rock/Cliff

28. Der Wasserfall – Waterfall

29. Der Pfad – Path

30. Der Wald – Forest

Tip: Talk about the landscape: "Die Wanderung führte uns durch Wälder, über Hügel und entlang eines Flusses." (The hike took us through forests, over hills, and along a river.)

4. Trail Navigation (Wegfindung)

Navigating the trail is an important part of hiking. These German terms will help you talk about finding your way, reading signs, and staying on course during your hike.

31. Der Wegweiser – Signpost

32. Die Markierung – Trail marker

33. Die Abzweigung – Fork in the trail

34. Die Richtung – Direction

35. Das GPS-Gerät – GPS device

36. Der Höhenmeter – Elevation gain

37. Der Rundweg – Circular route

38. Der Abstieg – Descent

39. Der Aufstieg – Ascent

40. Der Startpunkt – Starting point

Tip: Talk about navigating the trail: "Wir folgten den Markierungen bis zur Abzweigung und entschieden uns für den Aufstieg zum Gipfel." (We followed the trail markers to the fork and chose the ascent to the summit.)

5. Safety and Preparation (Sicherheit und Vorbereitung)

Safety and preparation are critical for a successful hike. These German terms will help you talk about the steps you take to stay safe on the trail, prepare for changing weather, and handle emergencies.

41. Die Vorbereitung – Preparation

42. Die Sicherheit – Safety

43. Die Verpflegung – Provisions (food and water)

44. Der Notruf – Emergency call

45. Die Wettervorhersage – Weather forecast

46. Das Höhenprofil – Elevation profile

47. Der Schutz – Shelter

48. Der Wanderführer – Hiking guidebook

49. Die Ausdauer – Endurance

50. Die Pausen – Breaks (during the hike)

Tip: Talk about safety and preparation: "Bevor wir loswandern, überprüfen wir die Wettervorhersage und packen genug Verpflegung für den Tag ein." (Before we start hiking, we check the weather forecast and pack enough provisions for the day.)

How to Memorise German Hiking Vocabulary

Learning 50 new German hiking terms might seem like a lot, but by using these words on your next outdoor adventure and practising regularly, you’ll quickly become comfortable with them. Here are a few tips to help you memorize and use these terms effectively:

1. Use German While Hiking

When you’re out on the trail, try using these German terms to describe the landscape, your gear, and the route you’re following. For example, say "Rucksack" (backpack) and "Wanderweg" (hiking trail) while planning or navigating your hike.

2. Watch German Hiking Videos

There are many German-language YouTube channels dedicated to hiking and outdoor adventures. Watching these videos will expose you to the vocabulary in context, helping you hear how native speakers talk about hiking.

3. Practice with Flashcards

Create flashcards with the German term on one side and the English translation on the other. Apps like Quizlet or Anki are great tools for reviewing vocabulary regularly and reinforcing your hiking-related terms.

4. Plan a Hiking Trip in German

If you’re travelling to a German-speaking country, plan a hiking trip and use the vocabulary you’ve learned to talk about your route, navigate the trails, and describe the scenery around you. Practice asking for directions or reading hiking maps in German.

Conclusion

Learning the German names for common hiking terms is essential for any outdoor enthusiast planning to explore the trails in a German-speaking region or simply wanting to expand their language skills. Whether you're hiking through forests, scaling mountains, or navigating rivers, having the right vocabulary will make your hiking experience more enjoyable and help you communicate effectively with fellow hikers.

By practising these words regularly, watching hiking-related content in German, and using them on your next outdoor adventure, you’ll quickly become comfortable discussing all things hiking in German. If you're looking to expand your hiking-related vocabulary or improve your German skills, consider taking German lessons online with Olesen Tuition. Our expert tutors can help you master German for every trail, from easy paths to challenging climbs.

Viel Spaß beim Wandern! (Have fun hiking!)