I'm learning Deutsch

weiter — meaning in English: continue

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for other
frauen
weiter
war
ahnung
wer
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn German for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native German speakers commonly use 'weiter' in various contexts, such as in conversations about future plans or ongoing projects. For instance, one might say 'Lass uns weiter diskutieren' ('Let's continue discussing') in a business meeting or during a casual chat with friends about a movie they just watched.
Synonyms & nuances
'Weiter' is often compared to 'fortsetzen', which means 'to continue' as well. While 'fortsetzen' is more formal and implies a deliberate action of continuation, 'weiter' can be used more casually and in a variety of situations. You might choose 'weiter' when encouraging someone to keep going in a less formal context.
Culture
'Weiter' originates from the Old High German term 'witar', which means 'beyond' or 'further'. This reflects a cultural emphasis on progress and continuity in German-speaking regions, where there is often a focus on moving forward in both personal and professional contexts. One interesting anecdote is that 'weiter' is often used in motivational phrases, such as 'Immer weiter!' ('Always continue!'), showcasing the German value of perseverance.
FAQ
Q.What does 'weiter' mean in English?
'Weiter' translates to 'continue' in English, but it can also imply going further or onward in various contexts.
Q.How do you use 'weiter' in a sentence?
You can use 'weiter' in sentences like 'Gehen wir weiter' ('Let's continue/go further') or 'Ich möchte weiter lernen' ('I want to continue learning').
Q.Are there common mistakes with 'weiter'?
A common mistake is using 'weiter' in place of other synonyms without understanding the context. It's essential to choose 'weiter' for informal situations and 'fortsetzen' for more formal continuations.
Learn german with Maspeak →
German 500