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A1 noun #2,200 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

die Ecke

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces die Ecke en 30 secondes
Explication die Ecke in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'die Ecke' is a vital word for basic navigation and describing your immediate environment. You learn it primarily in the context of 'around the corner' (um die Ecke) or 'on the corner' (an der Ecke). It helps you find shops, restaurants, or your way home. You also use it to describe where furniture goes in a room. The focus is on the physical corner of a street or a room. It is a feminine noun (die), which is important for basic sentence structure. You will mostly use it with simple prepositions like 'an' or 'in'. Example: 'Der Bahnhof ist an der Ecke.'
At A2, you start using 'die Ecke' with more variety in prepositions and begin to understand the two-way preposition rule (Wechselpräpositionen). You learn to distinguish between 'in der Ecke' (location) and 'in die Ecke' (direction). You might also encounter it in the context of 'Eckhaus' (corner house) or 'Ecktisch' (corner table). You begin to use it to describe your neighborhood more broadly, such as 'in meiner Ecke' (in my area). This level adds more descriptive power to your spatial vocabulary.
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At the B1 level, you move beyond purely physical descriptions. You encounter idiomatic expressions like 'an allen Ecken und Enden' (everywhere/in all aspects). You use 'die Ecke' to describe more complex spatial relationships and start to see it in compound words like 'Eckdaten' (key data/cornerstone data). You also learn the difference between 'Ecke' and 'Winkel' (angle/nook). Your ability to give detailed directions using 'Ecke' becomes more fluid, and you can describe the layout of complex buildings or city centers using the term more abstractly.
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At B2, you use 'die Ecke' in more figurative ways. You might describe a person as having 'Ecken und Kanten' (having a complex, non-conformist character). You understand more nuanced idioms like 'um die Ecke denken' (to think outside the box or to think in a roundabout way). Your usage of the word becomes more stylistic. You might use it in writing to create atmosphere, describing 'dunkle Ecken' (dark corners) in a metaphorical sense. You also handle the grammar perfectly, including more complex prepositional phrases in various tenses.
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At C1, 'die Ecke' is used with high precision and idiomatic flair. You are comfortable with colloquialisms like 'um die Ecke bringen' (to kill/do away with) and can use the word in academic or professional contexts, such as 'Eckpunkte' (key points/cornerstones of a plan). You understand the subtle cultural connotations of 'Ecken' in German literature and social commentary. You can discuss the 'Ecken und Kanten' of a political policy or a philosophical argument, using the word to denote complexity and friction.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'die Ecke' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You use it effortlessly in all registers, from the most informal slang to high-level literary analysis. You can play with the word's meanings, using it in puns or sophisticated metaphors. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to other Germanic languages. Whether you are discussing the 'Eckpfeiler' (cornerstones) of democracy or the 'letzten Ecken' (remotest corners) of the world, your usage is precise, culturally aware, and grammatically flawless.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

die Ecke en 30 secondes

  • Die Ecke is a feminine German noun meaning 'corner', used for both interior spaces (rooms) and exterior locations (streets).
  • It is a key word for navigation, often appearing in phrases like 'um die Ecke' (around the corner) and 'an der Ecke' (on the corner).
  • Grammatically, it follows the two-way preposition rule, taking the dative for static positions and the accusative for movements.
  • Metaphorically, it describes character traits ('Ecken und Kanten') or widespread issues ('an allen Ecken und Enden').

The German noun die Ecke (plural: die Ecken) is a fundamental building block of spatial orientation in the German language. At its most basic level, it refers to the point or area where two lines, edges, or surfaces intersect. Whether you are describing the layout of a room, the geography of a city, or the physical properties of a geometric shape, die Ecke is the indispensable term for 'corner'. However, its utility extends far beyond mere geometry; it permeates daily life, from finding a bakery 'around the corner' to describing a person with a complex personality who has 'corners and edges'.

Spatial Intersection
The physical meeting point of two walls in a room or two streets in a city.
Geographic Proximity
Used colloquially to describe a nearby location or a specific neighborhood (e.g., 'in dieser Ecke').
Metaphorical Complexity
Referring to hidden aspects or difficult traits of a person or situation.

"Stell den Besen bitte in die Ecke dort drüben."

Translation: Please put the broom in the corner over there.

In urban planning and navigation, die Ecke is vital. When giving directions, Germans frequently use the phrase um die Ecke (around the corner). It implies a short distance, often just a few steps away. Interestingly, the word also carries a sense of 'niche' or 'small area'. One might have a 'Leseecke' (reading corner) in their living room, which isn't just a physical corner but a cozy, dedicated space for a specific activity.

"Der Supermarkt ist gleich um die Ecke."

Translation: The supermarket is just around the corner.

From a linguistic perspective, die Ecke is related to the English word 'edge', though 'edge' in German is usually translated as die Kante. The distinction is crucial: an Ecke is a point where edges meet, while a Kante is the long line of the edge itself. Understanding this difference is key to reaching B1+ proficiency in descriptive German.

Using die Ecke correctly requires a firm grasp of German prepositions and the two-way (Wechselpräpositionen) system. Depending on whether you are describing a location (static) or a movement (dynamic), the case of the noun changes.

Dative (Position)
Use in der Ecke when something is already there. "Die Spinne sitzt in der Ecke."
Accusative (Movement)
Use in die Ecke when moving something to that spot. "Stell den Stuhl in die Ecke."

Beyond physical placement, die Ecke is used in various idiomatic structures. One of the most common is an allen Ecken und Enden, which literally means 'at all corners and ends' but is used to mean 'everywhere' or 'in every respect', often in a negative context like 'money is lacking everywhere'.

"Wir müssen sparen, es fehlt an allen Ecken und Enden."

Translation: We need to save; we're short of everything everywhere.

In colloquial German, you might hear someone say "Ich komme aus dieser Ecke". Here, Ecke doesn't mean a street corner, but rather the general region or neighborhood. It's a very natural way to speak about one's origins or current living situation in an informal setting.

You will encounter die Ecke in almost every facet of German life. In a domestic setting, it's used for cleaning (die Schmutzecken - dirty corners) or decorating. In the city, it's the primary way to navigate. If you ask for the nearest pharmacy, the answer will almost certainly involve an Ecke.

"Biegen Sie an der nächsten Ecke links ab."

Translation: Turn left at the next corner.

In business and news, the phrase an allen Ecken und Enden is frequent when discussing systemic problems or widespread shortages. In literature and film, um die Ecke bringen is a common euphemism for murder (to 'do away' with someone), adding a darker layer to this otherwise mundane word.

Daily Life
"Der Kiosk an der Ecke hat noch auf." (The kiosk on the corner is still open.)
Abstract Usage
"Er denkt oft um die Ecke." (He often thinks outside the box/unconventionally.)

The most frequent error for learners is the confusion between Ecke and Kante. While English often uses 'edge' and 'corner' distinctly, learners sometimes use Ecke when they mean the long sharp side of a table. Remember: the Ecke is the point; the Kante is the line.

"Ich habe mich an der Tischkante gestoßen." (Correct)

Not 'Tischecke', unless you hit the very point.

Another mistake involves the prepositions. Learners often say auf der Ecke when they should say an der Ecke. While auf der Ecke is used in some northern German dialects to mean 'on the corner', an der Ecke is the standard and safest choice for all learners.

Wrong Case
"Ich stehe in die Ecke." (Incorrect - movement case used for position)
Wrong Word
"Das Zimmer hat vier Kanten." (Incorrect - rooms have corners/Ecken)

Understanding the nuances between die Ecke and its synonyms will greatly improve your precision. The most common related words are der Winkel, die Kante, and die Kurve.

Der Winkel
Focuses on the angle (e.g., a 90-degree angle) or a hidden, remote nook. "In jedem Winkel des Hauses."
Die Kante
The edge or border. Think of the sharp line of a ruler or a cliff.
Die Kurve
A bend or curve in the road. You drive through a Kurve, but you turn at an Ecke.

"Das Haus hat viele versteckte Winkel."

Translation: The house has many hidden nooks/angles.

When describing a person, you might say they have Ecken und Kanten. This is a positive or neutral way to say someone has a strong, perhaps difficult, but authentic character. It implies they aren't 'smooth' or 'perfect', but have depth.

How Formal Is It?

Guide de prononciation

Rime avec
Strecke Decke Hecke

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Wechselpräpositionen (Two-way prepositions)

Feminine Noun Declension

Compound Noun Formation

Adjective Endings after Definite Articles

Prepositional Objects

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Exemples par niveau

1

Das Kino ist an der Ecke.

The cinema is on the corner.

Dative after 'an' (location).

2

Der Tisch steht in der Ecke.

The table is in the corner.

Dative after 'in' (location).

3

Gehen Sie um die Ecke.

Go around the corner.

Accusative after 'um' (direction).

4

Wo ist die Ecke?

Where is the corner?

Nominative case.

5

Die Bäckerei ist gleich um die Ecke.

The bakery is just around the corner.

Adverb 'gleich' emphasizes proximity.

6

Stell die Lampe in die Ecke.

Put the lamp in the corner.

Accusative after 'in' (movement).

7

An jeder Ecke gibt es einen Park.

On every corner there is a park.

Dative singular 'Ecke'.

8

Das ist eine gefährliche Ecke.

That is a dangerous corner.

Adjective ending '-e' for feminine.

1

Wir wohnen in dieser Ecke der Stadt.

We live in this corner of the city.

Dative 'dieser Ecke'.

2

Er wartet an der Ecke auf mich.

He is waiting for me on the corner.

Dative 'an der Ecke'.

3

Das Haus hat vier Ecken.

The house has four corners.

Plural 'Ecken'.

4

Biegen Sie an der nächsten Ecke rechts ab.

Turn right at the next corner.

Dative 'an der nächsten Ecke'.

5

In der Ecke steht ein alter Schrank.

In the corner stands an old cupboard.

Dative position.

6

Kommst du aus dieser Ecke?

Do you come from this area?

Colloquial use for 'area'.

7

Ich habe mein Handy in die Ecke geworfen.

I threw my phone into the corner.

Accusative movement.

8

Die Kinder spielen in der Ecke.

The children are playing in the corner.

Dative position.

1

Es fehlt an allen Ecken und Enden an Geld.

There is a lack of money everywhere.

Idiom: an allen Ecken und Enden.

2

Wir müssen die Eckdaten des Projekts besprechen.

We need to discuss the key data of the project.

Compound: Eckdaten.

3

Der Schrank passt nicht in diese Ecke.

The cupboard doesn't fit in this corner.

Accusative 'in diese Ecke'.

4

An jeder Ecke lauern Gefahren.

Dangers lurk at every corner.

Metaphorical use.

5

Er hat das Auto an der Ecke geparkt.

He parked the car on the corner.

Dative 'an der Ecke'.

6

Die Ecke ist sehr windig.

The corner is very windy.

Nominative subject.

7

Ich kenne mich in dieser Ecke gut aus.

I know my way around this area well.

Dative 'in dieser Ecke'.

8

Stellen Sie den Müll bitte an die Ecke.

Please put the trash on the corner.

Accusative 'an die Ecke'.

1

Sie ist eine Frau mit Ecken und Kanten.

She is a woman with a complex character.

Idiom: Ecken und Kanten.

2

Manchmal muss man um die Ecke denken.

Sometimes you have to think outside the box.

Idiom: um die Ecke denken.

3

Das Gebäude ist der Eckpfeiler der Architektur.

The building is the cornerstone of the architecture.

Compound: Eckpfeiler.

4

Er wurde in eine Ecke gedrängt.

He was backed into a corner.

Figurative: in eine Ecke drängen.

5

Die Verhandlungen sind an einem toten Punkt an der Ecke.

The negotiations are at a standstill (metaphorical).

Advanced spatial metaphor.

6

In der hintersten Ecke meines Gedächtnisses.

In the furthest corner of my memory.

Abstract dative.

7

Das Geschäft liegt an einer belebten Ecke.

The shop is located on a busy corner.

Adjective 'belebten'.

8

Wir haben das Sofa über Eck gestellt.

We placed the sofa across the corner.

Adverbial phrase 'über Eck'.

1

Die Reform krankt an allen Ecken und Enden.

The reform is failing in every respect.

Abstract idiom.

2

Er versuchte, seinen Rivalen um die Ecke zu bringen.

He tried to do away with his rival.

Euphemism for murder.

3

Das ist ein Eckpunkt unserer Strategie.

That is a cornerstone of our strategy.

Compound: Eckpunkt.

4

Sie hat sich in die Ecke gemalt.

She painted herself into a corner.

Idiom: sich in die Ecke malen.

5

Die Nachricht kam aus einer ganz anderen Ecke.

The news came from a completely different direction.

Metaphorical 'Ecke'.

6

Wir müssen die Ecken und Kanten des Plans glätten.

We need to smooth out the rough edges of the plan.

Figurative use.

7

Er ist ein Typ, der gerne um die Ecke denkt.

He is a guy who likes to think laterally.

Character description.

8

An der Ecke von Vernunft und Wahnsinn.

At the corner of reason and madness.

Literary metaphor.

1

Die geopolitische Lage ist an allen Ecken und Enden instabil.

The geopolitical situation is unstable in every regard.

Formal idiomatic usage.

2

Man darf ihn nicht in die kriminelle Ecke stellen.

One shouldn't categorize him as a criminal.

Idiom: in eine Ecke stellen (categorize).

3

Das Schicksal lauerte hinter der nächsten Ecke.

Fate lurked behind the next corner.

Personification/Literary.

4

Die Ecken und Kanten seiner Persönlichkeit machen ihn authentisch.

The rough edges of his personality make him authentic.

Philosophical usage.

5

In den entlegensten Ecken des Imperiums.

In the remotest corners of the empire.

Superlative 'entlegensten'.

6

Er hat das Problem von allen Ecken beleuchtet.

He examined the problem from all angles.

Metaphorical 'Ecken'.

7

Die Architektur spielt mit Ecken und Rundungen.

The architecture plays with corners and curves.

Technical/Aesthetic.

8

Es ist Zeit, die Eckpfeiler unserer Gesellschaft zu stärken.

It is time to strengthen the cornerstones of our society.

Sociopolitical metaphor.

Collocations courantes

um die Ecke
an der Ecke
in der Ecke
dunkle Ecke
nächste Ecke
hintere Ecke
Ecke abbiegen
Ecke stehen
Ecke finden
Ecke drängen

Phrases Courantes

Gleich um die Ecke
An der Ecke von...
In der Ecke sitzen
An allen Ecken
In jede Ecke schauen
Von Ecke zu Ecke
Ein Haus an der Ecke
Die Ecke eines Tisches
In der hintersten Ecke
An der Ecke warten

Souvent confondu avec

die Ecke vs Kante

die Ecke vs Winkel

die Ecke vs Kurve

Expressions idiomatiques

"An allen Ecken und Enden"
"Um die Ecke denken"
"Ecken und Kanten haben"
"Jemanden um die Ecke bringen"
"Sich in die Ecke gemalt haben"
"In der Schmollecke sitzen"
"In eine Ecke drängen"
"Nicht um die Ecke kommen"
"An jeder Ecke"
"Aus einer ganz anderen Ecke"

Facile à confondre

die Ecke vs

die Ecke vs

die Ecke vs

die Ecke vs

die Ecke vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

nuance

'Ecke' is more common than 'Winkel' for everyday objects.

regional

In Northern Germany, 'auf der Ecke' is common.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'der Ecke' as nominative.
  • Confusing 'Ecke' with 'Winkel' in geometry.
  • Saying 'auf die Ecke' for street corners.
  • Forgetting the 'n' in plural.
  • Using 'Ecke' for the edge of a cliff.

Astuces

Two-Way Prepositions

Remember: 'in der Ecke' (Dative) for position, 'in die Ecke' (Accusative) for movement.

Ecke vs. Kante

Use 'Ecke' for the point where walls meet, and 'Kante' for the sharp edge of a table.

Casual Directions

Say 'gleich um die Ecke' to sound natural when something is very close by.

Lateral Thinking

Use 'um die Ecke denken' when someone finds a creative or non-obvious solution.

The Eckkneipe

Look for 'Eckkneipen' in German cities; they are traditional local pubs on street corners.

Compound Words

Combine 'Eck' with other nouns, like 'Eckschrank' (corner cupboard) or 'Eckball' (corner kick).

Sharp 'ck'

The 'ck' in 'Ecke' is a short, sharp sound. Don't drag out the 'e' before it.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Ecke' in a news report, it's likely part of 'an allen Ecken und Enden'.

Visual Aid

Imagine a square room; each of the four points where walls meet is an 'Ecke'.

Neighborhoods

When someone asks 'Aus welcher Ecke kommst du?', they want to know which part of town you're from.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Middle High German 'ecke', Old High German 'ekka'. Related to English 'edge'.

Contexte culturel

Traditional association with 'Schandeecke' (corner of shame) in schools.

Corners are often the location of neighborhood pubs (Eckkneipen).

'Um die Ecke bringen' likely comes from the idea of leading someone out of sight to a secluded corner.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Gibt es hier in der Ecke einen guten Bäcker?"

"Was hältst du von Menschen mit vielen Ecken und Kanten?"

"Bist du eher jemand, der um die Ecke denkt?"

"Was steht in der hintersten Ecke deines Kellers?"

"An welcher Ecke der Stadt würdest du gerne wohnen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe deine Lieblingsecke in deiner Wohnung.

Gibt es ein Problem in deinem Leben, das an allen Ecken und Enden brennt?

Wann musstest du das letzte Mal um die Ecke denken?

Welche Ecken und Kanten hat deine Persönlichkeit?

Beschreibe den Weg von deiner Wohnung zur nächsten Ecke.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'die Ecke' is always feminine in German. This never changes regardless of the context.

An 'Ecke' is a physical corner (like a street corner), while 'Winkel' is more about the angle or a hidden, small space.

You say 'um die Ecke'. It uses the accusative case because 'um' always takes the accusative.

Yes, colloquially people say 'in dieser Ecke' to mean 'in this area' or 'in this neighborhood'.

It means they have a strong, perhaps difficult, but authentic personality. They aren't 'smooth' or easy to please.

Both are correct but mean different things. 'In der Ecke' is inside a corner (like in a room), 'an der Ecke' is at a street corner.

An 'Eckhaus' is a house located on the corner of two streets.

Yes, it is a common idiomatic euphemism used in crime stories or informal speech.

The plural is 'die Ecken'. You simply add an 'n' to the singular form.

It means 'everywhere' or 'in every respect', usually implying that something is lacking or problematic.

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