die Grenze, -n
border
Eine Linie oder ein Punkt, an dem ein Land, ein Gebiet oder ein Raum endet und ein anderes beginnt.
Definition & meaning
The German word Grenze primarily refers to a physical or conceptual boundary that separates two areas, states, or concepts. It has two main contexts:
- Geographical/Political: A boundary line that marks the limit of a country, territory, or region (e.g., crossing a national border).
- Figurative/Abstract: A limit, threshold, or extent beyond which something ceases to be possible or acceptable. This can refer to personal limits (e.g., "my patience has a limit") or the edge of a concept (e.g., "the limits of human knowledge").
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Gender: Feminine (die)
- Plural: die Grenzen
- Part of speech: Noun
Word origin: The word originates from the Middle High German grenize, which itself stems from the Slavic granica (meaning boundary or limit). It entered the German language around the 12th century and replaced older Germanic terms for boundary.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Abgrenzung? (demarcation)
- Rand? (edge/margin)
- Limit? (limit)
- Schranke? (barrier)
- Begrenzung? (limitation)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die Soldaten überwachen die Grenze.noun
The soldiers are monitoring the border.
Die Grenze ist nicht weit von hier.noun
The border is not far from here.
Eine Grenze trennt zwei Länder.noun
A border separates two countries.
Die Grenze zwischen den Ländern ist offen.noun
The border between the countries is open.
Eine Grenze trennt oft Länder.noun
A border often separates countries.
Wir mussten lange an den Grenzen stehen.noun
We had to stand at the borders for a long time.
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