die Fährte
Translation
track, trail, scent, spoor
Examples
Der Hund folgte der Fährte des Hirsches.
The dog followed the deer's trail.
Die Polizei ist auf der falschen Fährte.
The police are on the wrong track.
Grammar Patterns
die Fährte ((von+3 / et2)) the trail of sth. The hunter followed the trail of the wild boar.
auf der Fährte ((von+3 / et2)) sein to be on the trail of sth. The detectives are on the trail of the thief.
Similar Words
die Spur (track), der Pfad (path)
Etymology
Related to the verb 'fahren' (to travel, go). A 'Fährte' is the path where something has travelled.
Memory Tips
Think of a ferry ('Fähre') leaving a trail ('Fährte') in the water. The sounds are similar.