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noun

die Sackgasse, -n

dead end

Ein Weg oder eine Straße, die an einem Ende endet und nicht weiterführt.

Definition & meaning

The term Sackgasse has two primary meanings:

  1. Literal meaning: A street or road that has only one entrance and no exit at the other end. It is a dead-end street.
  2. Figurative meaning: A situation in which no further progress can be made, or a course of action that does not lead to a successful result. It describes a stalemate or a cul-de-sac of circumstances (e.g., in a negotiation or a career).

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is a feminine noun (die Sackgasse). The plural form is die Sackgassen.
  • Word origin: It is a compound word composed of Sack (sack/bag) and Gasse (alley/narrow street). The imagery suggests a street that is "closed like a sack," meaning one can enter it, but there is no passage through to the other side.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Stichstraße (a dead-end street specifically intended for access)
  • Einbahnstraße (often associated, though technically different)
  • Sackgassensituation (figurative: a stalemate)
  • Ausweglosigkeit (figurative: hopelessness or lack of options)
  • Pattsituation (figurative: deadlock)

Antonyms:

  • Durchgangsstraße (a thoroughfare/through street)
  • Durchgang (a passage or way through)
  • Ausweg (a way out)

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Examples

Wir stehen vor einer Sackgasse.noun

We are facing a dead end.

Können wir in dieser Sackgasse wenden?noun

Can we turn around in this dead end?

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