Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

wanderjahr

noun

/ˈvɒndərjɑːr/

Definition

A year spent traveling or exploring, typically after finishing school or before starting a career.

Examples

After graduation, she decided to embark on a wanderjahr to backpack through Europe.
His wanderjahr allowed him to experience different lifestyles and broaden his perspective.
Many young people take a wanderjahr to find themselves before entering the workforce.

Meaning

The term comes from German and refers to a time when individuals take a break from formal education or work to travel, gain experiences, and discover new cultures.