zweigleisig

Zweigleisig is a German adjective meaning two-track or dual-track. It is formed from zwei (two) and Gleis (rail track) and is most commonly used in railway terminology, but it also appears in broader figurative contexts. In railway usage, a zweigleisige Strecke consists of two parallel tracks, allowing bidirectional traffic and higher capacity compared to a single-track line. This contrasts with eingleisige Strecken, which operate with a single rail line and require passing points to coordinate opposing directions.

Beyond railways, zweigleisig describes approaches, plans, or policies that pursue two separate lines of action simultaneously. The expression can convey hedging bets, increasing flexibility, or addressing different contingencies. In political, business, or organizational discourse, a zweigleisige Strategie may aim to cover diverse scenarios or maintain readiness for changing conditions, but it can also be criticized as duplicative, inconsistent, or complicating implementation.

Usage notes: the term can modify nouns such as Strecke, Maßnahme, Strategie, or Vorgehen (zweigleisige Strecke, zweigleisige Strategie, zweigleisiges Vorgehen). Phrases like auf zwei Gleisen fahren or zwei Gleise verfolgen are idiomatic ways to express the concept of following two tracks. The metaphorical sense is more common in German-speaking contexts and may be translated as dual-track or two-pronged approach in English, depending on the context.

See also: dual-track, two-track approach, parallel strategy.