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A1 noun #243 am häufigsten 13 Min. Lesezeit

window

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At the A1 level, the word 'window' is one of the first nouns students learn when discussing the home or classroom. It is used in its most literal sense: a physical object made of glass that you can open or close. At this stage, learners should focus on simple sentence structures such as 'The window is big,' 'I see a window,' or 'Please close the window.' The vocabulary is often paired with basic adjectives like 'clean,' 'dirty,' 'open,' or 'closed.' A1 learners use 'window' to describe their immediate environment. For example, in a classroom, a teacher might say, 'Look out the window,' to direct attention to something outside. In a basic house description, a student might say, 'My bedroom has one window.' The focus is on identification and simple actions. Understanding the plural form 'windows' is also essential. Exercises at this level usually involve matching the word to a picture or following simple commands. There is no need for metaphorical or technical meanings yet. The goal is to build a solid foundation where the student can confidently name the object and describe its basic state in a everyday context.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'window' to include more specific contexts like travel and shopping. They begin to use compound words and phrases such as 'window seat' and 'shop window.' An A2 student can express preferences, such as 'I want a window seat on the plane because I like the view.' They also start to use prepositions more accurately, distinguishing between 'looking at the window' and 'looking through the window.' The concept of 'window-shopping' is introduced as a common leisure activity. At this level, students can describe a sequence of actions involving windows, such as 'I went to the room, opened the window, and looked at the street.' They might also encounter the word in simple instructions for using a computer, like 'Click on the window.' The vocabulary becomes more descriptive, using adjectives like 'broken,' 'large,' or 'wooden.' A2 learners are expected to understand the word in short, clear dialogues, such as a conversation between a customer and a shop assistant about a display in the window. The focus remains largely physical, but the range of environments where the word is used increases to include shops, cars, and airplanes.

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At the B1 level, the word 'window' starts to take on more varied and slightly more abstract meanings. Students are introduced to common idioms and fixed expressions like 'window of opportunity' or 'go out the window.' They can understand and use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as the passive voice: 'The window was broken by a ball.' B1 learners can describe the function of a window in more detail, discussing things like 'ventilation' or 'insulation' in a basic way. They are also more comfortable with the technical use of 'window' in computing, understanding how to manage multiple windows on a desktop. In writing, they might use 'window' as a metaphor for perspective, such as 'This book provides a window into another culture.' They can also handle more specific architectural terms like 'skylight' or 'windowsill.' B1 students are expected to follow longer stories or reports where windows might play a role, such as a news story about a break-in or a travel blog describing a scenic train journey. Their ability to use the word in different registers—from informal chats about home decor to more formal descriptions of a building—is developing. They understand that 'window' can refer to a period of time, though they might still need practice with the exact phrasing.

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At the B2 level, students use 'window' with a high degree of precision and can handle its most abstract and metaphorical applications. They are familiar with idioms like 'window dressing' and can use them correctly in a business or political context to describe something that is done to make a situation look better than it is. B2 learners can engage in detailed discussions about architecture or urban planning, using terms like 'double-glazing,' 'energy-efficient windows,' or 'floor-to-ceiling windows.' They understand the nuances of prepositions and can use 'in,' 'at,' 'on,' and 'through' correctly in all contexts. In a professional setting, they can discuss a 'launch window' for a project or a 'window of time' for a meeting. Their vocabulary includes synonyms like 'aperture' or 'pane' and they know when to use them for stylistic effect. B2 students can analyze literature or film where a window is used as a symbol, explaining how it represents a barrier or a point of observation. They are also proficient in technical discussions involving software windows, including concepts like 'active window' or 'window management.' At this level, the word is used fluently across all domains—personal, professional, and academic—with a clear understanding of its various connotations.

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At the C1 level, the word 'window' is used with sophistication and stylistic variety. Learners can appreciate and use the word in complex literary metaphors and advanced professional jargon. They might discuss the 'Overton window,' a political concept describing the range of ideas tolerated in public discourse. In academic writing, they can use 'window' to describe a specific period of observation in a scientific study or a historical era. C1 students are sensitive to the subtle differences between 'window,' 'portal,' 'gateway,' and 'aperture,' choosing the one that best fits the tone of their discourse. They can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as 'The narrowing window of opportunity necessitated an immediate and decisive response from the board.' They are also aware of the cultural significance of windows in different societies, such as the 'red-light district' windows or the lack of curtains in certain European cultures as a sign of transparency. In technical fields, they understand advanced concepts like 'sliding window protocols' in networking. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, showing an ability to play with its meanings and use it to create vivid, layered descriptions in both speech and writing.

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At the C2 level, mastery of the word 'window' involves a deep understanding of its etymological roots, its role in various specialized fields, and its potential for creative expression. A C2 learner might discuss the evolution of the word from the Old Norse 'vindauga' and how this history informs its current meaning. They can use 'window' in highly specialized contexts, such as 'atmospheric windows' in astronomy or 'therapeutic windows' in pharmacology, with complete accuracy. In literature, they can produce nuanced critiques of how authors use windows to frame narratives or symbolize the psychological state of characters. They are capable of using the word in puns, wordplay, and complex rhetorical devices. For a C2 speaker, 'window' is not just a noun but a versatile tool for communication that can be adapted to any register, from the most formal legal document to the most informal slang. They can navigate the most obscure idioms and historical references involving windows. Their command of the word allows them to use it with perfect timing and connotation, whether they are describing a physical structure, a digital interface, a strategic opportunity, or a philosophical concept of perception.

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A physical opening in a wall or vehicle for light and air.
A separate display area on a computer screen for a program.
A metaphorical 'window of opportunity' meaning a limited time to act.
A symbol of perspective, transparency, or a barrier in literature.

The term window fundamentally refers to an opening in an otherwise solid wall, door, or vehicle, designed to permit the passage of light and, frequently, air. In its most basic architectural sense, a window is a portal that bridges the gap between the interior sanctuary of a building and the external environment. Historically, windows were simple apertures, but modern engineering has transformed them into complex systems involving frames, glass panes, and various opening mechanisms. People use the word 'window' in a multitude of contexts, ranging from describing a physical feature of their home to discussing the interface of a computer operating system. When you look through a window, you are engaging in a visual exchange with the world outside, making it a powerful symbol of perspective and transparency. In a domestic setting, windows are essential for psychological well-being, as they provide natural illumination and a sense of connection to the rhythm of the day. Beyond the physical, the word has evolved to describe a 'window of opportunity,' which is a specific period during which an action can be taken to achieve a desired result. This metaphorical usage highlights the concept of a temporary opening that will eventually close. In the realm of technology, a window is a separate viewing area on a computer screen, allowing users to interact with different programs simultaneously. This digital application of the term revolutionized how we interact with information, moving from linear command lines to a spatial, multi-tasking environment. Whether you are talking about a stained-glass window in a cathedral, a porthole on a ship, or a shop window displaying the latest fashions, the core essence remains the same: an invitation to look, a passage for light, and a boundary that defines space.

Architectural Context: In architecture, the window is a critical element of the building envelope, providing ventilation and daylighting while maintaining thermal insulation.

The architect designed the house with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the view of the ocean.

Technological Context: In computing, a window is a graphical control element that consists of a visual area containing some of the user interface of the program it belongs to.

I have too many windows open on my desktop, and it is making my computer run slowly.

Metaphorical Context: A 'window of opportunity' suggests a fleeting chance to act before circumstances change and the path is blocked.

The company has a narrow window to launch the product before the holiday season ends.

She sat by the window and watched the rain fall against the glass.

The stained-glass windows of the cathedral cast colorful patterns on the stone floor.

Using the word window effectively requires an understanding of its grammatical versatility and the common verbs and prepositions that accompany it. As a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence. For instance, 'The window is open' (subject) or 'I closed the window' (object). When describing movement or sight through a window, the preposition 'through' is most common: 'He looked through the window.' However, if you are referring to something positioned in the opening, you might say 'in the window,' such as 'The mannequin in the shop window was wearing a red dress.' If you are looking out of a building, you use 'out of the window.' The word is also frequently used in compound nouns and adjectives, such as 'windowpane,' 'windowsill,' 'window-shopping,' and 'window-seat.' In technical writing, you might encounter 'windowing' as a verb, referring to the process of dividing a display into multiple sections. In business, you might hear about 'window dressing,' which refers to making something look better than it actually is, often in financial reports. When constructing sentences, consider the type of window you are describing to add detail. Is it a bay window, a sash window, a dormer window, or a skylight? Each of these specific terms provides a clearer mental image for the reader. Furthermore, the state of the window can convey mood: a 'grimy window' might suggest neglect, while a 'sparkling window' suggests cleanliness and care. In metaphorical usage, ensure the context supports the idea of a temporary opening or a specific perspective. For example, 'His eyes were a window into his soul' uses the concept of a window to describe transparency and deep insight. When talking about time, 'a window of ten minutes' implies a strict limit. By varying your choice of verbs—such as 'shatter,' 'latch,' 'peer,' or 'glaze'—you can significantly enhance the descriptive power of your sentences involving windows.

Physical Action: Verbs like open, close, shut, lock, and clean are the most common actions performed on a window.

Could you please open the window? It is getting quite stuffy in here.

Visual Interaction: Prepositions like through, out of, and at are used to describe how we see things in relation to a window.

The children spent the afternoon looking out of the window at the snow.

Compound Usage: Windows are often part of larger terms that describe specific parts or activities.

The cat enjoys sitting on the windowsill to catch the morning sun.

We spent the whole Saturday window-shopping downtown without buying a single thing.

I always request a window seat when I fly so I can see the clouds.

The word window is ubiquitous in daily conversation, professional environments, and media. In a domestic setting, you will hear it most often during discussions about home maintenance, weather, or simple comfort. A parent might tell a child, 'Don't lean against the window,' or a spouse might ask, 'Did you lock all the windows before we left?' In the workplace, particularly in offices, the 'window' often becomes a symbol of status; having a 'window office' is a sign of seniority. In the tech industry, the word is spoken thousands of times a day, referring to software interfaces. You might hear a developer say, 'The modal window isn't closing properly,' or a help desk technician advise, 'Minimize all your windows to see the desktop.' In the world of finance and business, the term 'window' appears in more abstract ways. Economists talk about a 'window of opportunity' for investment, and accountants might mention 'window dressing' in the context of year-end reports. In travel, the 'window' is a key part of the booking process. Airline agents frequently ask, 'Would you prefer a window or an aisle seat?' Similarly, on trains and buses, the window seat is often the most coveted for the view it provides. In retail, 'window displays' are the primary way stores attract customers from the street. You might hear a manager say, 'We need to change the window for the spring collection.' In literature and film, windows are frequently used as motifs for longing, observation, or a barrier between worlds. Think of the famous movie 'Rear Window,' where the entire plot revolves around what the protagonist sees through his apartment window. In news reporting, you might hear about a 'launch window' for a space mission, indicating the precise time a rocket must be fired to reach its destination. Even in medical contexts, a 'window period' refers to the time between infection and when a test can detect it. This wide range of applications shows that 'window' is not just an architectural term, but a fundamental concept for describing openings, views, and specific intervals of time or space.

Travel and Transport: Commonly heard at airports and train stations when choosing seating or describing views.

The pilot announced that we should keep our window shades open for takeoff and landing.

Business and Finance: Used to describe time limits or the strategic presentation of information.

We have a very small window to finalize the merger before the fiscal year ends.

Retail and Fashion: Refers to the display area at the front of a store used to attract customers.

The holiday window at the department store is famous for its elaborate decorations.

I saw a beautiful coat in the window and decided to go inside.

The shopkeeper spent the morning cleaning the windows to make the store more inviting.

While window is a basic word, learners often make specific errors regarding prepositions and its metaphorical use. One of the most frequent mistakes is using 'on' when 'through' or 'out of' is required. For example, saying 'I looked on the window' usually implies you were looking at the surface of the glass itself (perhaps checking for dirt), whereas 'I looked through the window' means you were looking at the scene outside. Another common error involves the distinction between 'in the window' and 'at the window.' 'In the window' is specifically used for items displayed in a shop's front glass area. If a person is standing near a window, we say they are 'at the window' or 'by the window.' Confusing 'window' with 'door' is a rare but possible slip for very early learners, but a more common confusion is between 'window' and 'pane.' A window is the entire unit, while a pane is just the sheet of glass. If you break the glass, you have 'broken a window pane,' though 'broken a window' is also acceptable in general speech. In the metaphorical sense, learners sometimes misuse 'window of opportunity.' It is a fixed phrase; saying 'opportunity window' or 'opening of opportunity' sounds unnatural. Additionally, in computing, people sometimes confuse 'window' with 'screen.' The screen is the physical monitor, while the window is the software box within that screen. Saying 'I have too many screens open' when you mean software windows is a common mistake. Another subtle error is the use of 'window' as a verb. While 'windowing' exists in technical jargon, using 'to window' as a synonym for 'to look out' is incorrect. You must say 'to look out the window.' Finally, pay attention to the pluralization. In some languages, the word for window might be used collectively, but in English, you must distinguish between 'the window' (singular) and 'the windows' (plural). If a room has three openings, you must say 'The windows are open,' not 'The window is open' unless you only mean one of them. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your English sound much more natural and precise.

Preposition Errors: Confusing 'through', 'at', 'in', and 'on' can change the meaning of your sentence significantly.

Incorrect: I looked on the window to see the garden. Correct: I looked through the window to see the garden.

Tech Terminology: Distinguishing between the physical monitor (screen) and the software interface (window).

Incorrect: My screen is frozen. Correct: The browser window is frozen.

Fixed Idioms: Idioms like 'window of opportunity' must be used exactly as they are.

Incorrect: We have an opening of opportunity. Correct: We have a window of opportunity.

Incorrect: He threw the idea out the door. Correct: He threw the idea out the window (meaning he abandoned it).

Incorrect: I am windowing at the birds. Correct: I am looking out the window at the birds.

While window is the most common term, several synonyms and related words can provide more specific meaning depending on the context. In architecture, you might use 'aperture' to describe any opening that lets in light, though this is more technical. A 'casement' refers specifically to a window that is attached to its frame by one or more hinges at the side. A 'sash window' is one where the panes are held in frames that slide vertically or horizontally. If you are talking about a window in a roof, 'skylight' or 'velux' (a brand name often used generically) are more precise. For windows on ships or airplanes, the term 'porthole' is standard. In a more poetic or literary context, you might see 'casement' used to evoke a romantic or historical feel. When discussing the glass itself, 'pane' is the correct term. If you are referring to a very small window, 'light' can sometimes be used (as in 'a side light' next to a door). In the digital world, alternatives to 'window' are fewer, but you might hear 'dialog box' or 'pop-up' for specific types of windows. Metaphorically, 'portal' or 'gateway' can sometimes replace 'window' when emphasizing the idea of a transition to another place or state of mind. For example, 'The book was a portal to another world' is similar to saying it was a 'window into another world,' but 'portal' suggests more of an entry point. When comparing 'window' to 'opening,' the latter is much broader; all windows are openings, but not all openings (like a hole in a fence) are windows. Similarly, a 'vent' is an opening specifically for air, whereas a window usually implies both light and visibility. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the word that best fits the physical structure or the abstract concept you wish to convey.

Architectural Variants: Specific types of windows like casement, sash, and skylight provide more detail than the general term.

The attic was brightened by a large skylight that looked up at the stars.

Transport Specifics: Using 'porthole' for ships and planes adds technical accuracy to your description.

He peered through the porthole of the cabin and saw the dolphins jumping.

Parts of a Window: Words like pane, sill, and frame describe the individual components of the window unit.

The baseball flew through the air and shattered the window pane.

She placed a pot of geraniums on the windowsill.

The wooden window frame was rotting and needed to be replaced.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Before glass was common, windows were literally 'eyes' for the wind to blow through, or were covered with animal skins or cloth.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈwɪndəʊ/

US /ˈwɪndoʊ/

The stress is on the first syllable: WIN-dow.

Reimt sich auf

indo limbo bistro kilo zero hero echo solo

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'w' at the end as a separate vowel.
Confusing the 'i' sound with 'ee' (saying 'weendow').
Not stressing the first syllable correctly.
Failing to glide the final 'o' sound.
Pronouncing the 'd' too softly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

The literal meaning is very easy, but metaphorical uses require more context.

Schreiben 2/5

Spelling is straightforward, but prepositions can be tricky.

Sprechen 1/5

Pronunciation is generally easy for most learners.

Hören 1/5

The word is distinct and easy to recognize in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

house wall glass see open

Als Nächstes lernen

curtain blind view balcony door

Fortgeschritten

aperture translucency ventilation insulation perspective

Wichtige Grammatik

Prepositions of Place

Use 'at' or 'by' for position, 'through' for movement of sight.

Countable Nouns

Always use 'a', 'the', or a number with 'window'.

Compound Nouns

Windowsill and windowpane are written as one word.

Phrasal Verbs

'Look out' often precedes 'the window'.

Zero Article

Do not use 'window' without an article in the singular.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

The window is open.

La fenêtre est ouverte.

Subject (The window) + Verb (is) + Adjective (open).

Please close the window.

S'il vous plaît, fermez la fenêtre.

Imperative sentence using 'close' as the verb.

I have a big window in my room.

J'ai une grande fenêtre dans ma chambre.

Using 'big' as a descriptive adjective before the noun.

The window is dirty.

La fenêtre est sale.

Using 'dirty' as a predicative adjective.

Look out the window.

Regarde par la fenêtre.

The phrase 'look out the window' is a common idiom.

There are two windows in the kitchen.

Il y a deux fenêtres dans la cuisine.

Plural form 'windows' used with the number 'two'.

The cat is by the window.

Le chat est près de la fenêtre.

Using the preposition 'by' to show proximity.

Is the window broken?

Est-ce que la fenêtre est cassée ?

Question form using 'Is' at the beginning.

I prefer the window seat on the plane.

Je préfère le siège côté fenêtre dans l'avion.

Compound noun 'window seat'.

We went window-shopping in the city center.

Nous avons fait du lèche-vitrine au centre-ville.

Compound verb 'window-shopping'.

The shop window has a beautiful display.

La vitrine du magasin a un bel étalage.

Using 'shop window' to refer to a retail display.

He put a plant on the windowsill.

Il a mis une plante sur le rebord de la fenêtre.

Noun 'windowsill' refers to the ledge at the bottom.

Can you see the birds through the window?

Peux-tu voir les oiseaux à travers la fenêtre ?

Preposition 'through' indicates looking across the glass.

The car window is stuck and won't go down.

La vitre de la voiture est coincée et ne veut pas descendre.

Using 'car window' as a specific type.

She cleaned the windows with a cloth.

Elle a nettoyé les fenêtres avec un chiffon.

Verb 'cleaned' used with the object 'windows'.

The rain is hitting the window.

La pluie frappe la fenêtre.

Present continuous tense 'is hitting'.

We have a small window of opportunity to finish this.

Nous avons une petite fenêtre d'opportunité pour finir cela.

Idiomatic use meaning a limited time.

The new software allows you to open multiple windows.

Le nouveau logiciel vous permet d'ouvrir plusieurs fenêtres.

Technical use in computing.

If we don't act now, our chances will go out the window.

Si nous n'agissons pas maintenant, nos chances vont s'envoler.

Idiom 'go out the window' means to disappear or be lost.

The stained-glass windows in the church are famous.

Les vitraux de l'église sont célèbres.

Adjective 'stained-glass' describes the type.

He was peering through the window, trying to see inside.

Il regardait fixement par la fenêtre, essayant de voir à l'intérieur.

Verb 'peer' suggests looking closely or with difficulty.

The house has double-glazed windows for better insulation.

La maison a des fenêtres à double vitrage pour une meilleure isolation.

Compound adjective 'double-glazed'.

She sat in the window seat and read her book.

Elle s'est assise sur le siège côté fenêtre et a lu son livre.

Here 'window seat' refers to furniture, not an airplane seat.

The thief entered the house through a basement window.

Le voleur est entré dans la maison par une fenêtre du sous-sol.

Prepositional phrase 'through a basement window'.

The company's recent charity work is just window dressing.

Le récent travail caritatif de l'entreprise n'est que de la poudre aux yeux.

Idiom 'window dressing' refers to deceptive appearances.

We need to find a launch window for the new marketing campaign.

Nous devons trouver un créneau de lancement pour la nouvelle campagne marketing.

Metaphorical use in a professional context.

The eyes are often called the window to the soul.

Les yeux sont souvent appelés le miroir de l'âme.

Poetic metaphor using 'window' as a means of insight.

The architect incorporated large bay windows into the design.

L'architecte a incorporé de grandes fenêtres en saillie dans la conception.

Specific architectural term 'bay window'.

The policy change opened a window for further negotiations.

Le changement de politique a ouvert une porte à de nouvelles négociations.

Abstract use meaning 'created an opportunity'.

The sash window was difficult to slide up because of the paint.

La fenêtre à guillotine était difficile à faire glisser à cause de la peinture.

Technical term 'sash window'.

He spent the morning glazing the new windows in the extension.

Il a passé la matinée à poser les vitres des nouvelles fenêtres de l'extension.

Verb 'glaze' refers to installing glass.

The data shows a clear window of time when the error occurred.

Les données montrent un créneau temporel clair où l'erreur s'est produite.

Using 'window' to describe a specific interval.

The Overton window has shifted significantly on this issue.

La fenêtre d'Overton a considérablement évolué sur cette question.

Specific political science term 'Overton window'.

The novel provides a fascinating window into 19th-century life.

Le roman offre une fenêtre fascinante sur la vie au XIXe siècle.

Sophisticated metaphorical use for historical insight.

The therapeutic window for this drug is extremely narrow.

La fenêtre thérapeutique pour ce médicament est extrêmement étroite.

Medical/Pharmacological jargon.

The skylight acted as an aperture, flooding the studio with light.

Le lanterneau faisait office d'ouverture, inondant le studio de lumière.

Using 'aperture' as a high-level synonym.

All his previous promises went out the window when he took power.

Toutes ses promesses précédentes ont été oubliées dès qu'il a pris le pouvoir.

Idiomatic use in a political/critical context.

The sash was rotten, making the window a safety hazard.

Le châssis était pourri, ce qui faisait de la fenêtre un danger pour la sécurité.

Using 'sash' to refer to the specific part of the window.

The artist used the window as a framing device in the portrait.

L'artiste a utilisé la fenêtre comme dispositif de cadrage dans le portrait.

Artistic/Critical terminology.

There is a brief window before the tide comes in to explore the caves.

Il y a un court laps de temps avant que la marée ne monte pour explorer les grottes.

Precise use of 'window' for a natural time limit.

The poem explores the window as a liminal space between worlds.

Le poème explore la fenêtre comme un espace liminaire entre les mondes.

Use of 'liminal space' in a literary analysis context.

The atmospheric window allows certain wavelengths to reach the Earth.

La fenêtre atmosphérique permet à certaines longueurs d'onde d'atteindre la Terre.

Scientific jargon in physics/astronomy.

The CFO was accused of window dressing the quarterly results.

Le directeur financier a été accusé de maquiller les résultats trimestriels.

Business idiom used in a formal/legal context.

The casements were flung wide to welcome the morning breeze.

Les croisées furent grandes ouvertes pour accueillir la brise matinale.

Literary/Archaic use of 'casements'.

The sliding window protocol ensures reliable data transmission.

Le protocole de fenêtre glissante assure une transmission de données fiable.

Highly specialized computer science terminology.

Her silence was a window into the depth of her disappointment.

Son silence était un miroir de l'ampleur de sa déception.

Abstract metaphorical use for emotional insight.

The architect’s use of clerestory windows created a sense of divinity.

L'utilisation par l'architecte de fenêtres hautes a créé un sentiment de divinité.

Specialized architectural term 'clerestory'.

The legislative window for the bill is closing rapidly.

Le créneau législatif pour le projet de loi se referme rapidement.

Formal political/legal usage.

Synonyme

pane opening casement skylight aperture portal

Gegenteile

wall solid surface

Häufige Kollokationen

open a window

close a window

look through the window

shop window

window seat

broken window

clean the windows

window of opportunity

stained-glass window

car window

Häufige Phrasen

window-shopping

— Looking at goods in shop windows without intending to buy them.

We spent the afternoon window-shopping on Fifth Avenue.

out the window

— Gone, lost, or no longer relevant.

All my plans for the weekend went out the window when I got sick.

window of time

— A specific period during which something can happen.

We have a two-hour window of time to complete the test.

in the window

— Displayed in the front glass area of a store.

I saw a great pair of shoes in the window.

at the window

— Standing or positioned near a window.

She was standing at the window, waiting for him to arrive.

through the window

— Using the window as a means to see or move.

The sun shone through the window.

window dressing

— Something used to create a deceptively favorable impression.

The new policy is just window dressing; nothing has really changed.

window pane

— A single sheet of glass in a window.

He tapped on the window pane to get her attention.

windowsill

— The horizontal ledge at the base of a window.

The pie was cooling on the windowsill.

window frame

— The structure that holds the glass panes in place.

The window frame was painted bright white.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

window vs door

A door is for walking through; a window is for looking through.

window vs pane

A pane is just the glass; the window is the whole unit.

window vs screen

A screen is the physical monitor; a window is the software area.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"window of opportunity"

— A short period of time during which an opportunity exists.

We must act now while the window of opportunity is still open.

professional

"go out the window"

— To be completely forgotten or disregarded.

When the fire alarm rang, all discipline went out the window.

informal

"window dressing"

— Actions taken to make a situation look better than it is.

The company's environmental claims were dismissed as mere window dressing.

business

"a window on/into something"

— Something that shows you what a different place or situation is like.

The documentary provides a window into the lives of refugees.

journalistic

"window on the world"

— A way of seeing or learning about what is happening globally.

The internet is our primary window on the world today.

general

"look through a window"

— To observe something without being part of it.

He felt like he was looking through a window at his own life.

literary

"smash a window"

— Often used to describe a sudden, violent change or break-in.

The news smashed a window in his peaceful existence.

metaphorical

"open the window"

— To allow new ideas or influences to enter.

The reform opened the window to foreign investment.

political

"throw something out the window"

— To abandon a plan or idea completely.

They threw the old manual out the window and started from scratch.

informal

"narrow window"

— A very limited amount of time.

There is a narrow window for the surgery to be successful.

medical

Leicht verwechselbar

window vs curtain

Both are found at the same place.

The window is the structure; the curtain is the fabric that covers it.

I opened the curtains to see through the window.

window vs blind

Both cover windows.

Blinds are usually made of slats (wood/plastic) that tilt; windows are the glass.

Close the blinds so the sun doesn't hit the window.

window vs mirror

Both involve glass and looking.

A mirror reflects your image; a window lets you see what is on the other side.

He looked in the mirror, then out the window.

window vs vent

Both let in air.

A vent is usually small and only for air; a window is larger and for light/view.

The bathroom has a small vent but no window.

window vs frame

Part of the window.

The frame is the border; the window includes the glass and the frame.

The window frame needs painting.

Satzmuster

The [noun] is [adjective].

The window is clean.

I like the [compound noun].

I like the window seat.

He [verb] through the window.

He looked through the window.

It's a window of [noun].

It's a window of opportunity.

The [noun] went out the window.

The plan went out the window.

The [noun] is just window dressing.

The report is just window dressing.

A window into [abstract noun].

A window into his thoughts.

The [technical term] window.

The therapeutic window.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

window

windowpane

windowsill

window-shopping

Verben

window (rare)

window-shop

Adjektive

windowless

Verwandt

glass

frame

view

opening

pane

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily English.

Häufige Fehler

I looked on the window. → I looked through the window.
'On' refers to the surface; 'through' refers to seeing the other side.
Open the curtains window. → Open the window.
Do not confuse the covering (curtain) with the structure (window).
I want an opportunity window. → I want a window of opportunity.
This is a fixed idiomatic phrase.
The computer screen is open. → The computer window is open.
A screen is the hardware; a window is the software interface.
He is windowing out. → He is looking out the window.
'Window' is not used as a verb for the act of looking.

Tipps

Preposition Choice

Always use 'through' when you are talking about looking from one side to the other.

Be Specific

Instead of just 'window', use 'skylight', 'bay window', or 'porthole' for better descriptions.

Out the Window

Use 'go out the window' when a plan fails suddenly or a rule is ignored.

Software Windows

Remember to 'minimize', 'maximize', or 'close' windows on your computer.

Cleaning

We say 'wash the windows' or 'clean the windows', never 'do the windows'.

Seating

Always ask for a 'window seat' if you want to see the view while flying.

Glazing

'Double-glazing' is a key term when talking about energy efficiency in homes.

Broken Glass

If a window breaks, you are usually talking about the 'pane' of glass.

Framing

In photography, a window can be a great 'framing device' for your subject.

Wind-Eye

Remember the Old Norse origin to help you remember that windows are for both air and sight.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'WIN'dow as an 'EYE' (auga) that lets the 'WIND' (vindr) in. Wind-Eye = Window.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a giant eye in the side of a house looking out at the world.

Word Web

Glass Frame View Light Air House Computer Opportunity

Herausforderung

Try to count every window you see today and describe one thing you see through each of them in English.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old Norse word 'vindauga'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally 'wind-eye' (vindr 'wind' + auga 'eye').

Germanic

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that 'window dressing' can be a negative term in business, implying dishonesty.

The 'window seat' is a common point of preference in travel and cafes.

Alfred Hitchcock's movie 'Rear Window'. The 'Windows' operating system by Microsoft. The phrase 'Windows to the soul' from various literary works.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At home

Open the window
Close the window
Clean the windows
Look out the window

In a car

Roll down the window
Roll up the window
The window is fogged up
Don't lean out the window

On a plane

Window seat
Window shade
Look through the window
Close the shade

At a shop

In the window
Window display
Window-shopping
Shop window

On a computer

Open a new window
Close the window
Minimize the window
Active window

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat when you fly?"

"What can you see from the window of your bedroom?"

"Do you enjoy window-shopping even if you don't buy anything?"

"How many windows are there in your favorite room?"

"Have you ever seen a beautiful stained-glass window?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe the view from your window right now in as much detail as possible.

Write about a 'window of opportunity' you once had and whether you took it.

If your eyes are a window to your soul, what would people see inside yours today?

Imagine a world without windows. How would architecture and daily life change?

Describe your dream house, focusing specifically on the windows and the views they provide.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

'In the window' refers to objects displayed in a shop's front glass. 'At the window' refers to a person standing near a window.

It is very rare in general English, but in technical contexts like computing or statistics, 'windowing' is used.

It means a plan, rule, or quality has completely disappeared or been ignored.

Yes, a skylight is a specific type of window installed in a roof or ceiling.

It is an idiom meaning making something look better than it really is, often used in business or politics.

It is a limited period of time during which you can do something to get a good result.

A window with one or two sashes that slide up and down or side to side.

A political theory about the range of ideas that the public is willing to accept.

Because it acts like a physical window, allowing you to see into a specific program or file.

The flat, horizontal piece at the bottom of a window frame.

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