die Spur
Translation
track, trace, lane, clue
Examples
Die Polizei folgte der Spur des Diebes.
The police followed the thief's track.
Bitte wechseln Sie nicht die Spur.
Please do not change the lane.
Es gibt keine Spur von ihm.
There is no trace of him.
Eine Spur Salz genügt.
A hint of salt is enough.
Grammar Patterns
a trace of ((sth.)) eine Spur ((von+3)) There was a trace of irony in his voice.
to be on the trail of ((sb./sth.)) auf der Spur ((j-s/et2)) sein The police are on the trail of the culprits.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Fährte (trail), Abdruck (imprint), Fahrbahn (lane)
Etymology
From Old High German 'spur', related to English 'spur' (the device on a boot, which leaves a mark) and 'spoor' (animal track).
Memory Tips
A horse's 'spur' leaves a 'Spur' (track). Also, a 'spur' road is a short road branching off a main one, like a 'Spur' (lane).