Polyglot Dictionary

weichen

/ˈvaɪ̯çn̩/

verb B2

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present (3rd sg.): weicht
past: wich
perfect: ist gewichen

Meaning

to yield, to give way, to retreat

Not to be confused with the adjective weich (soft) — related in origin but a distinct word today.
- Die Angst wich langsam der Neugier.
  
  The fear slowly gave way to curiosity.
- Der Winter weicht langsam dem Frühling. Die ersten Blumen blühen schon.
  
  Winter slowly gives way to spring. The first flowers are already blooming.

Similar words

weichen also has a "to retreat" sense, more physical or military; nachgeben is more about conceding or giving in emotionally, or in an argument.

Practice

1 What does weichen mean?

2 Fill the gap: Die Angst ___ langsam der Neugier.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches weichen?

See also

neugierig

verbirregular

Last updated 2026-09-17