die Weiche
Translation
railroad switch, points, flank, course
Examples
Der Zug wechselt die Weiche.
The train is changing the switch.
Er hat Schmerzen in der Weiche.
He has pain in his flank.
Wir müssen die Weichen für die Zukunft stellen.
We have to set the course for the future.
Grammar Patterns
to set the switch ((sth.)) Der Arbeiter muss die Weiche stellen.
to set the course for sth. ((for sth.)) Sie stellen die Weichen für das neue Projekt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (railroad) Schalter; (body) Flanke; (fig.) Kurs, Richtung
Etymology
Derived from the adjective 'weich' (soft). The flank is a soft part of the body, and a railroad switch allows for a 'soft' or smooth change of direction.
Memory Tips
Think of a railroad 'Weiche' allowing a train to 'weich' (softly) change its path. This connects to the figurative meaning of setting a course.