Grenzen
The English phrase "borders" is translated into German as Grenzen.
Grenzen refers to the lines that separate two countries or regions. This term can also be used metaphorically to mean limits or boundaries, such as in the phrase Grenzen setzen, which means "to set limits/borders".
Which one should you use?
While Grenzen is the general term, more specific forms exist depending on the context. Staatsgrenzen is a formal term used to specifically emphasize national or state borders. Außengrenzen is a formal term used when referring to external or external political borders.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the term Ländergrenze is often used specifically to refer to borders between states or provinces within the country.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Grenzen is the plural form. The singular form of Grenzen is Grenze, which means "border".
Did you know?
- The term Grenzgänger refers to a 'border crosser', specifically people who live in one country but commute across the Grenze every day for work.
- While English speakers use 'border' for both countries and edges, Germans distinguish between Grenze for political boundaries and Rand for the edge of objects like a book or a table.
- The German word grenzen is also a verb meaning 'to border on' or 'to be close to'. It is often used to describe things that are almost the same, such as a situation that grenzt an Wahnsinn, meaning it 'borders on madness'.
Examples in context
- Kunst hat keine Grenzen.Art has no borders.Tatoeba #11852078 by Naina, translation #5006742 by Lindoula
- Sport kennt keine Grenzen.Sport knows no borders.Tatoeba #2279674 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2457492 by CM
- Die schließen ihre Grenzen.They're closing their borders.Tatoeba #10301637 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10300221 by bitchoftheseus
- Die Grenzen Deutschlands wurden nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg neu festgelegtGermany's borders were redefined after World War II.
- Es gab eine Diskussion über die Staatsgrenzen zwischen Deutschland und FrankreichThere was a discussion about the state borders between Germany and France.
- Die EU möchte ihre Außengrenzen besser schützenThe EU wants to better protect its external borders.
- Die Grenzen der Stadt sind sehr gut ausgeschildertThe borders of the city are well signposted.
- Bei unserer Reise haben wir die Landesgrenzen mehrmals überquertDuring our trip, we crossed the country's borders several times.
- Die Grenzlinien wurden nach dem Krieg neu vermessenThe border lines were re-surveyed after the war.
- Die Ländergrenze zwischen Kärnten und Steiermark ist besonders schönThe border between Carinthia and Styria is particularly beautiful.
- Wir müssen die Grenzen des Nationalparks schützen, um die Tierwelt zu bewahren.We need to protect the borders of the national park to preserve the wildlife.
- Die Verhandlungen über die Außengrenzen zwischen den Ländern gestalten sich schwierig.The negotiations on the external borders between the countries are proving to be difficult.
- Wir haben keine Probleme, die Grenze zwischen den beiden Ländern zu überqueren.We have no problems crossing the border between the two countries.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a map of Europe.
- SarahWo sind die Grenzen zwischen diesen Ländern?Where are the borders between these countries?
- FelixDie Grenzen verlaufen direkt durch den Wald.The borders run directly through the forest.
- SarahKann man die Grenzen dort sehen?Can one see the borders there?
- FelixNein, man sieht nur den Fluss.No, you only see the river.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Grenzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
