laufen vs gehen
German word comparison
Listen to laufen
Listen to gehen
| laufen | gehen |
|---|---|
LAU-fen verb | ˈɡeːən verb |
| to run; to walk (depending on context); to operate/function (e.g., a machine or program) | to walk; to go on foot |
How they differ
Gehen specifically means walking/going on foot at a normal pace, whereas laufen can cover walking or running depending on context (and also has non-physical senses like 'to run' for machines). Gehen cannot be used for machines/programs and does not imply running.
When to use each
When to use laufen: Prefer laufen when the action could be running or when regional usage favors laufen for walking, or when referring to machines/programs running.
When to use gehen: Use gehen when you specifically mean walking or going at a normal, non-running pace.
Side-by-side examples
- Ich laufe zur Arbeit.
(I walk to work.) - Ich gehe zur Arbeit.
(I walk to work.)
Register & nuance: Both are neutral; gehen is the unambiguous, standard verb for walking, while laufen is more versatile and regionally variable.