den Horizont erweitern
/de(ː)n ho.ʁiˈtsɔnt ʔɛɐ̯ˈvaɪ̯tɐn/word by word
The German phrase for "broaden your horizon" is den Horizont erweitern.
The phrase den Horizont erweitern is used both literally to describe expanding one's physical sight and figuratively to describe gaining new knowledge, experiences or perspectives.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from den (the), Horizont (horizon) and erweitern (to expand or broaden).
Which one should you use?
While you might use the informal expression Den eigenen Horizont erweitern in casual conversation, a more formal version is Seinen geistigen Horizont erweitern, which specifically emphasizes the intellectual aspect of broadening one's horizons.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English expression "your horizon," the German idiom uses the definite article den (the) rather than a possessive pronoun.
How do you pronounce it?
/de(ː)n ho.ʁiˈtsɔnt ʔɛɐ̯ˈvaɪ̯tɐn/. The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'my horizons' in the plural, Germans almost exclusively use the singular den Horizont when talking about personal growth.
- The word Horizont comes from the Ancient Greek hóros, meaning 'boundary'.
- The verb erweitern is built from weit, the same root found in the English word 'width'.
Examples in context
- Es ist wichtig, Ihren Horizont zu erweitern, um als Führungskraft erfolgreich zu sein.It is important to broaden your horizon in order to be successful as a leader.
- Lass uns mal über den Tellerrand schauen und neue Ideen sammeln!Let's think outside the box and gather new ideas!
- Ich möchte durch das Studium den Horizont erweitern.I want to broaden my horizon through my studies.
