Wegweisend

Wegweisend is a German adjective meaning “leading the way; pioneering; trailblazing.” It describes something that points a direction for others, typically innovations, ideas, policies, or designs that set a precedent or establish new standards.

Etymology: The term derives from Weg (way, path) and weisen (to show/point). The compound emphasizes signaling a new direction.

Usage: Wegweisend is widely used in media, science, technology, politics, business, and architecture to characterize developments that are regarded as exemplary or trendsetting. Typical collocations include wegweisende Technologie, wegweisende Studie, wegweisende Entscheidung, wegweisendes Konzept. The sense is evaluative and positive, though it can be used descriptively when something is considered influential for the future.

Semantics and nuance: Wegweisend stresses direction and influence rather than sheer novelty; it implies that others can follow or adopt the path indicated. Related terms include zukunftsweisend (future-oriented) and bahnbrechend (groundbreaking).

Morphology: Wegweisend is an adjective that inflects according to gender, case, and number (eine wegweisende Idee, ein wegweisendes Konzept, zwei wegweisende Technologien; gleichermaßen der wegweisende Ansatz). The adjective's derived forms include wegweisender, wegweisende, wegweisendes.

See also: Wegweiser is a different word meaning signpost, while wegweisend should not be confused with it.