Brandenburger Tor
/ˈbʁandn̩ˌbʊʁɡɐ toːɐ̯/neuter
The English phrase "brandenburg gate" is Brandenburger Tor in German.
Brandenburger Tor is the name of the 18th-century neoclassical monument located in Berlin.
Meaning: 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is composed of the adjective Brandenburger (meaning of or from Brandenburg) and the neuter noun Tor (meaning gate).
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the preposition an to indicate a location at the monument, the phrase takes the dative case, resulting in the form am Brandenburger Tor.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʁandn̩ˌbʊʁɡɐ toːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- The word Tor is a homonym in German. While the gate is a Tor, the word Tor also means 'fool' or 'simpleton'.
- During the Cold War, the Brandenburger Tor was located in the restricted 'death strip' between East and West Berlin. For decades, it was impossible for people from either side to walk through it.
- In German, the word Tor can mean 'gate' or 'goal' in sports. Because of this, a commentator describing a soccer goal would use the same word as someone describing the Brandenburger Tor.
Examples in context
- Das Brandenburger Tor ist eines der berühmtesten Wahrzeichen Deutschlands.The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany.This sentence is useful for identifying the monument as a famous landmark of Germany using Brandenburger Tor.Tatoeba #3115516 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3115510 by Hybrid
- Das Brandenburger Tor ist ein Symbol der deutschen Einheit.The Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of German unity.
- Wir sehen das Brandenburger Tor.We see the Brandenburg Gate.
- Das Brandenburger Tor ist sehr beeindruckend.The Brandenburg Gate is very impressive.
Example conversation
Two tourists are walking through the center of Berlin.
- JuliaSchau mal, dort steht das Brandenburger Tor!Look, there stands the Brandenburg Gate!
- JulianJa, es ist wirklich groß.Yes, it is really big.
- JuliaSollen wir ein Foto machen?Should we take a photo?
- JulianJa, gerne, Julia.Yes, gladly, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brandenburg gate” translations and entries Brandenburger Tor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
