Ecke en 30 segundos
- Ecke means corner.
- Used for physical corners and street corners.
- Can also mean a secluded spot or a corner kick in football.
- Feminine noun: die Ecke.
The German noun Ecke translates directly to 'corner' in English. It's a very common and versatile word used in a wide range of everyday situations, referring to both physical locations and more abstract concepts. You'll encounter 'Ecke' when describing the shape of objects, the location of places, or even metaphorical boundaries.
- Physical Corners
- This is the most frequent use. It refers to the point where two lines or surfaces meet, forming an angle. Think of the corner of a room, a table, a street, or a page.
- Street Corners
- When you are talking about directions or meeting someone, 'Ecke' often refers to a street corner. 'An der nächsten Ecke' means 'at the next corner'.
- Corners of Objects
- This applies to any object with distinct edges and angles. For example, the corner of a book, a box, or a piece of furniture.
- Metaphorical Corners
- Less literally, 'Ecke' can refer to a secluded or out-of-the-way place, a 'nook' or 'corner' where one might find privacy or a quiet spot. It can also refer to the edge or periphery of something.
- In Sports
- In sports like football (soccer), 'Ecke' specifically means a 'corner kick'.
Das Buch hat eine zerknitterte Ecke.
Wir treffen uns an der nächsten Ecke.
Der Fußballspieler schoss eine Ecke.
Mastering 'Ecke' involves understanding its grammatical context and common prepositions. As a feminine noun (die Ecke), it takes the definite article 'die' in the nominative and accusative cases, and 'der' in the genitive case. In the dative case, it becomes 'der Ecke'. The plural is 'die Ecken'.
- Describing Locations
- 'Ecke' is frequently used with prepositions indicating location. 'In der Ecke' means 'in the corner'. For example, 'Das Buch liegt in der Ecke des Zimmers.' (The book is lying in the corner of the room.) 'An der Ecke' means 'at the corner', often used for streets: 'Der Laden ist an der Ecke.' (The shop is at the corner.)
- Giving Directions
- When giving directions, phrases like 'Gehen Sie um die Ecke' (Go around the corner) or 'Biegen Sie an der nächsten Ecke links ab' (Turn left at the next corner) are common.
- Describing Objects
- You can describe the physical characteristics of objects using 'Ecke'. 'Die Ecke des Tisches ist rund.' (The corner of the table is round.) or 'Pass auf, dass du dich nicht an der scharfen Ecke stößt.' (Be careful not to bump yourself on the sharp corner.)
- Abstract Meanings
- In a more figurative sense, 'Ecke' can denote a quiet or secluded spot. 'Er saß in einer gemütlichen Ecke des Cafés.' (He sat in a cozy corner of the café.)
- Sports Context
- In football, 'Ecke' refers to a corner kick. 'Der Schiedsrichter entschied auf Ecke.' (The referee decided on a corner kick.)
Das kleine Haus hat eine spitze Ecke.
Wir müssen hier an der Ecke warten.
Die Katze versteckt sich gerne in der dunkelsten Ecke.
You'll hear the word Ecke constantly in German-speaking environments, reflecting its fundamental role in describing physical space and everyday navigation. Its frequency makes it essential for any learner aiming for fluency.
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual chats, people use 'Ecke' to describe where things are, where they are going, or where they last saw something. For instance, 'Wo hast du mein Handy hingelegt?' 'Ich glaube, es liegt da in der Ecke.' (Where did you put my phone? I think it's over there in the corner.)
- Giving and Asking for Directions
- Navigating a city or town relies heavily on 'Ecke'. 'Entschuldigung, wie komme ich zum Bahnhof?' 'Gehen Sie geradeaus bis zur nächsten Ecke und dann biegen Sie rechts ab.' (Excuse me, how do I get to the train station? Go straight to the next corner and then turn right.)
- Describing Homes and Buildings
- When discussing apartments or houses, 'Ecke' might describe the layout or location. 'Das Schlafzimmer ist in der hinteren Ecke des Hauses.' (The bedroom is in the back corner of the house.) or 'Die Wohnung hat einen schönen Balkon an der Straßenecke.' (The apartment has a nice balcony on the street corner.)
- In Shops and Businesses
- Shop assistants might direct you: 'Das gesuchte Produkt finden Sie in der hintersten Ecke des Ladens.' (You will find the product you are looking for in the back corner of the store.)
- Sports Commentary
- During football matches, commentators frequently mention 'Ecke' when referring to corner kicks. 'Es gibt Ecke für die Heimmannschaft!' (It's a corner kick for the home team!)
- Children's Language
- Even young children learning German will use 'Ecke' to describe their surroundings. 'Meine Spielzeugkiste steht in der Ecke.' (My toy box is in the corner.)
Die Bushaltestelle ist gleich um die Ecke.
Ich habe meinen Schlüssel in der Ecke des Sofas gefunden.
Der Ball ging knapp an der Ecke vorbei.
While 'Ecke' is a common word, learners can sometimes make mistakes, especially with its grammatical gender and the prepositions used with it. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Incorrect Gender
- Mistake: Using 'der Ecke' or 'ein Ecke' when referring to a single corner in the nominative or accusative case. Remember, 'Ecke' is feminine, so it's 'die Ecke' (the corner) and 'eine Ecke' (a corner).
- Wrong Preposition Usage
- Mistake: Confusing 'in der Ecke' (in the corner) with 'an der Ecke' (at the corner). 'In der Ecke' implies being inside or within the corner space, while 'an der Ecke' usually refers to the intersection of streets or the point where something is located at the corner.
- Pluralization Errors
- Mistake: Forgetting to pluralize when referring to multiple corners. The plural of 'Ecke' is 'Ecken'. For example, saying 'die Ecke des Raumes' (the corner of the room) is correct for one, but if you mean multiple corners, you'd say 'die Ecken des Raumes'.
- Overuse of 'Ecke' for 'Corner Kick'
- Mistake: Using 'Ecke' in contexts where a more specific term might be better, or assuming it always means 'corner kick' in sports. While it does mean corner kick in football, in other sports or contexts, the term might differ.
- Literal Translation Issues
- Mistake: Trying to force the English idiom 'corner the market' into German using 'Ecke'. German has its own expressions for such concepts, and a direct translation would sound unnatural.
Falsch: Ich sitze in der Ecke.
Richtig: Ich sitze in der Ecke.
Falsch: Das Haus ist auf der Ecke.
Richtig: Das Haus ist an der Ecke.
While Ecke is the most common word for 'corner', German offers other words and phrases that can be used depending on the context, nuance, or desired emphasis. Understanding these alternatives helps in using the language more precisely.
- Winkel (Angle)
- Ecke refers to the point where lines meet, forming an angle. Winkel refers to the angle itself, the measurement of that point. For example, 'Die Ecke des Raumes bildet einen rechten Winkel.' (The corner of the room forms a right angle.)
- Kante (Edge)
- Ecke is the point where two or more edges meet. Kante refers to the line or surface forming the boundary of an object. 'Die Kante des Tisches ist scharf.' (The edge of the table is sharp.) You can have an 'Ecke' at the end of a 'Kante'.
- Winkel (in geometry)
- While 'Ecke' is used for physical corners, 'Winkel' is the precise term in geometry for an angle. For instance, 'ein spitzer Winkel' (an acute angle) vs. 'eine spitze Ecke' (a sharp corner).
- Nische (Niche, Alcove)
- Similar to the metaphorical use of 'Ecke' for a secluded spot, 'Nische' refers to an indentation or recess in a wall, often creating a small, cozy space. 'Er fand einen ruhigen Platz in einer kleinen Nische.' (He found a quiet spot in a small niche.) This is more specific than 'Ecke'.
- Krümmung (Curvature)
- When describing rounded objects, you wouldn't use 'Ecke'. Instead, you'd talk about 'Krümmung'. For example, 'Die Krümmung des Weges.' (The curvature of the path.)
- Ausläufer (Outgrowth, Spur)
- In a more abstract sense, 'Ausläufer' can refer to the fringe or periphery, similar to a metaphorical 'Ecke' of something, but often implies a spreading or extending aspect.
Die Ecke des Tisches ist abgerundet.
Die Kante des Glases ist sehr glatt.
Der Raum hat einen rechten Winkel.
Ejemplos por nivel
Das ist eine Ecke.
This is a corner.
Basic noun introduction.
Das Buch ist in der Ecke.
The book is in the corner.
Use of preposition 'in' with dative case.
Die Ecke des Tisches.
The corner of the table.
Genitive case for possession.
Eine runde Ecke.
A round corner.
Adjective describing the noun.
Wo ist die Ecke?
Where is the corner?
Basic question formation.
Ich sehe eine Ecke.
I see a corner.
Accusative case after 'sehen'.
Die Ecke ist klein.
The corner is small.
Subject-verb-adjective structure.
Das ist meine Ecke.
This is my corner.
Possessive pronoun.
Wir treffen uns an der Ecke.
We are meeting at the corner.
Use of 'an der Ecke' for street corners.
Gehen Sie um die Ecke.
Go around the corner.
Imperative mood, 'um die Ecke'.
Das Geschäft ist in der nächsten Ecke.
The shop is in the next corner.
Using 'in' for location within a broader area, 'nächsten' in dative.
Die Katze schläft in ihrer Ecke.
The cat sleeps in its corner.
Possessive pronoun 'ihrer' in dative.
Die Ecken des Bildes sind beschädigt.
The corners of the picture are damaged.
Plural form 'Ecken' and genitive case.
Er wartet an der Straßenecke.
He is waiting at the street corner.
Specific use of 'Straßenecke'.
Kannst du mir die Ecke zeigen?
Can you show me the corner?
Accusative case after 'zeigen'.
Das Postauto fährt um die Ecke.
The postal bus drives around the corner.
Verb of motion with 'um die Ecke'.
Er saß in einer gemütlichen Ecke des Cafés und las.
He sat in a cozy corner of the café and read.
Figurative use of 'Ecke' for a quiet spot.
Der Trainer rief: 'Ecke!'.
The coach shouted: 'Corner!' (in football).
Specific meaning in sports (corner kick).
Wir haben die Wohnung in der hintersten Ecke der Stadt gekauft.
We bought the apartment in the furthest corner of the city.
Describing a remote location.
Die scharfe Ecke des Tisches verursachte eine Beule.
The sharp corner of the table caused a bump.
Describing physical characteristics and consequences.
Er versteckt sich gerne in der Ecke, wenn er nervös ist.
He likes to hide in the corner when he is nervous.
Behavioral association with a corner.
Die Straße macht eine scharfe Ecke nach links.
The street makes a sharp turn to the left.
Describing a road's curve.
In dieser Ecke des Gartens wachsen die besten Rosen.
In this corner of the garden, the best roses grow.
Describing a specific area within a larger space.
Die alte Frau saß in ihrer Ecke und strickte.
The old woman sat in her corner and knitted.
Establishing a habitual place.
Die Firma hat ihren Hauptsitz in einer abgelegenen Ecke des Landes.
The company has its headquarters in a remote corner of the country.
Describing a remote or isolated location for a business.
Er fühlte sich in der Ecke des Raumes isoliert und übersehen.
He felt isolated and overlooked in the corner of the room.
Metaphorical use for social isolation.
Die politische Bewegung hat ihre Anhänger in den Randbereichen, den 'Ecken' der Gesellschaft, gefunden.
The political movement has found its supporters in the fringe areas, the 'corners' of society.
Figurative use for marginalized groups or areas.
Der Architekt plante ein kleines Atelier in einer sonnigen Ecke des Hauses.
The architect planned a small studio in a sunny corner of the house.
Describing a specific, desirable functional space.
Manche Leute ziehen sich in ihre eigene kleine Ecke zurück, um ungestört zu sein.
Some people retreat into their own little corner to be undisturbed.
Metaphorical for personal space or solitude.
Der Ball wurde von der Abwehr in die eigene Ecke geklärt.
The ball was cleared by the defense into their own corner.
Specific tactical use in sports.
Die neue Verordnung hat die Unternehmen in eine schwierige Ecke gedrängt.
The new regulation has pushed the companies into a difficult corner.
Figurative for a difficult situation or predicament.
Er hat sich in der Ecke der Bibliothek versteckt, um seine Ruhe zu haben.
He hid in the corner of the library to have his peace.
Emphasizing the desire for quiet.
Das kleine Dorf, versteckt in einer vergessenen Ecke der Alpen, bewahrte seine Traditionen.
The small village, hidden in a forgotten corner of the Alps, preserved its traditions.
Literary description of a remote and preserved location.
Er versuchte, seine wahren Gefühle in einer Ecke seines Herzens zu verbergen.
He tried to hide his true feelings in a corner of his heart.
Highly figurative use for deeply buried emotions.
Die Debatte bewegte sich langsam in eine dogmatische Ecke, wo sachliche Argumente kaum noch Gehör fanden.
The debate slowly moved into a dogmatic corner, where factual arguments were hardly heard anymore.
Figurative for a rigid, unproductive argumentative stance.
Die Kunstszene in dieser Stadt ist noch eine Nischenbewegung, die sich in den alternativen Ecken abspielt.
The art scene in this city is still a niche movement, playing out in the alternative corners.
Describing subcultures or fringe artistic communities.
Er fühlte sich durch die starren Regeln in eine unflexible Ecke gedrängt.
He felt pushed into an inflexible corner by the rigid rules.
Figurative for being constrained by regulations.
Die Analyse des Marktes zeigte, dass das Unternehmen in einer lukrativen, aber schwer zugänglichen Ecke operierte.
The market analysis showed that the company operated in a lucrative but hard-to-access corner.
Describing a specialized and profitable market niche.
Sie fand Trost in der Stille der Bibliothek, in einer abgelegenen Ecke, weit weg vom Trubel.
She found solace in the silence of the library, in a remote corner, far from the hustle and bustle.
Emphasizing peace and escape through location.
Die beiden Länder hatten lange Zeit eine strategische Ecke im globalen Machtspiel besetzt.
The two countries had long occupied a strategic corner in the global power game.
Figurative for a specific, influential position in international relations.
Die philosophische Abhandlung griff die Idee auf, dass das menschliche Bewusstsein oft in den dunklen Ecken des Geistes verweilt.
The philosophical treatise took up the idea that human consciousness often lingers in the dark corners of the mind.
Highly abstract and metaphorical use in philosophical discourse.
Er war ein Mensch, der sich stets in die Ecken der Gesellschaft zurückzog, um die Welt aus sicherer Distanz zu beobachten.
He was a person who always retreated into the corners of society to observe the world from a safe distance.
Sophisticated description of a reclusive observer.
Die Analyse der historischen Dokumente offenbarte eine verborgene Ecke der Wahrheit, die bisher der Forschung entgangen war.
The analysis of the historical documents revealed a hidden corner of truth that had previously escaped research.
Figurative for a previously unknown aspect of a complex subject.
In den Wirren des Krieges fand er Zuflucht in einer gottverlassenen Ecke des Landes, wo das Leben stillstand.
In the turmoil of war, he found refuge in a godforsaken corner of the country where life stood still.
Evocative and somber description of refuge.
Die Kulturanthropologin erforschte die obskuren Ecken der urbanen Folklore, wo alte Mythen weiterlebten.
The cultural anthropologist researched the obscure corners of urban folklore, where old myths lived on.
Academic exploration of less-known cultural phenomena.
Er hatte sich in seiner Selbstgerechtigkeit eine kleine, aber unerschütterliche Ecke geschaffen.
In his self-righteousness, he had created a small but unshakeable corner for himself.
Figurative for a fixed, unyielding belief system.
Die Rede des Politikers schien darauf abzuzielen, die Wähler in den vergessenen Ecken des Landes zu mobilisieren.
The politician's speech seemed aimed at mobilizing voters in the forgotten corners of the country.
Strategic political language for reaching specific demographics.
Die Aufsätze beleuchteten die verborgenen Ecken der menschlichen Psyche, die oft unbewusst bleiben.
The essays illuminated the hidden corners of the human psyche, which often remain unconscious.
Psychological exploration of the subconscious.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— At the corner. This is used for street corners or the edge of something.
Der Supermarkt ist an der Ecke der Hauptstraße.
— In the corner. This refers to being within the space of a corner.
Mein Hund liegt gerne in seiner Ecke.
— Around the corner. Often used to indicate something is nearby or just past a turn.
Das Kino ist nur um die Ecke.
— To push someone into a corner; to corner someone, often in a difficult situation or argument.
Seine Fragen drängten den Politiker in die Ecke.
— To sit down in a corner, often implying shyness, sadness, or a desire for solitude.
Das kleine Mädchen setzte sich traurig in die Ecke.
— A corner of the room. Used to specify a location within a room.
In dieser Ecke des Raumes steht mein Bücherregal.
— A corner of the table.
Pass auf, dass du dich nicht an der Ecke des Tisches stößt.
Modismos y expresiones
— To corner someone, to put someone in a difficult situation where they have few options, often in an argument or negotiation.
Mit seinen scharfen Fragen drängte er den Zeugen in die Ecke.
General— To withdraw to a corner, often implying shyness, sadness, or a desire to be alone and unnoticed.
Nach der Enttäuschung setzte er sich in die Ecke und sprach mit niemandem.
Informal/Emotional— To be in the corner, often used metaphorically to imply being neglected, overlooked, or in a subordinate position.
Seine Ideen standen in der Ecke, während die des Chefs gehört wurden.
Figurative— To think outside the box, to be creative and find unconventional solutions.
Um dieses Problem zu lösen, müssen wir ein bisschen um die Ecke denken.
Informal/Creative— To fall foul of the law, to ge
Summary
Ecke is a fundamental German noun for 'corner', used for physical angles, street intersections, secluded spots, and in sports. Remember it's a feminine noun ('die Ecke').
- Ecke means corner.
- Used for physical corners and street corners.
- Can also mean a secluded spot or a corner kick in football.
- Feminine noun: die Ecke.
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