Grenzen
The German word for boundaries is Grenzen.
Grenzen can refer to literal physical borders between territories or metaphorical limits, such as the rules that define acceptable behavior in a relationship or the limits of one's capacity. A common idiom is an seine Grenzen stoßen, which means to reach the limits of one's ability or resources. To express the act of establishing or imposing limits on someone's behavior, use the phrase Grenzen setzen.
What does it mean word for word?
Grenzen means boundaries or borders.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Grenzen is the plural form. The singular form is die Grenze, meaning the boundary.
Did you know?
- While Grenzen describes limits, Germans use the word Schwellenangst, meaning 'threshold fear', to describe the specific anxiety of crossing a boundary to enter a new place or situation.
- In German, the word Grenzgänger refers to a 'border crosser', specifically someone who lives in one country but works in another across the Grenze.
- The concept of Grenzen is central to the historical memory of the 'Inner German Border' that divided East and West Germany, making the word carry a heavy political weight in older generations.
Examples in context
- Selbst Witze haben Grenzen.Even jokes have boundaries.This sentence shows that even jokes have limits using Grenzen.Tatoeba #10153093 by Yorwba, translation #13261166 by frpzzd
- Sie wird ihm Grenzen setzen.She is going to impose boundaries on him.This sentence demonstrates the phrase Grenzen setzen when imposing limits on him.Tatoeba #13042924 by Waldelfe, translation #12584591 by anzart
- Sie wird ihr Grenzen setzen.She is going to impose boundaries on her.This sentence demonstrates the phrase Grenzen setzen when imposing limits on her.Tatoeba #13042925 by Waldelfe, translation #12584592 by anzart
- Es ist wichtig, persönliche Grenzen zu respektieren.It is important to respect personal boundaries.
- Es ist wichtig, in einer Beziehung klare Grenzen zu setzen.It is important to set clear boundaries in a relationship.
- Lass uns klare Grenzen ziehen, damit keine Missverständnisse entstehen.Let's draw clear boundaries to avoid any misunderstandings.
- Lasst uns die Begrenzungen des Projekts noch einmal überprüfen.Let's review the boundaries of the project once again.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are discussing their relationship needs.
- FelixIch brauche klare Grenzen in unserer Beziehung.I need clear boundaries in our relationship.
- LauraIch verstehe das, Felix. Was genau meinst du?I understand that, Felix. What exactly do you mean?
- FelixWir müssen unsere persönlichen Grenzen respektieren.We must respect our personal boundaries.
- LauraDas ist ein wichtiger Punkt, Laura stimme zu.That is an important point, Laura agrees.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Grenzen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
