Einfahrt
/ˈaɪ̯nˌfaːɐ̯t/feminine
The German word for gateway is Einfahrt. Wiktionary also lists Tor and Zugang.
Meaning: entrance (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Einfahrt | /ˈaɪ̯nˌfaːɐ̯t/ | feminine |
| Tor | /toːr/ | neuter |
| Zugang | /ˈt͡suːɡaŋ/ | masculine |
Depending on the context, 'gateway' can refer to a physical entrance for vehicles, a metaphorical gateway to a new experience or the abstract concept of access.
Which one should you use?
Einfahrt specifically refers to an entrance designed for vehicles, such as a driveway or a gate for cars. Tor refers to a physical gate or a metaphorical gateway. Zugang refers to the concept of access or a way to reach something, rather than a physical structure like a gate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Tor is neuter and is used with the article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯nˌfaːɐ̯t/
Did you know?
- The word Tor is a homonym in German. While it means 'gate' or 'gateway' as a noun, it can also mean 'fool' when derived from the Middle High German word for 'hazy' or 'foggy'.
- In German football, the word for 'goal' is Tor. This reflects the physical goalposts acting as a gateway that the ball must pass through.
- While Einfahrt is used for vehicle entrances, placing a Einfahrt verboten sign means 'no entry' for cars. Using Zugang verboten instead would mean no people are allowed to enter on foot.
Examples in context
- Fehler sind das Tor zu neuen Entdeckungen.Mistakes are the gateway to new discoveries.This sentence shows the use of Tor in a metaphorical sense regarding discoveries.Tatoeba #2290767 by Esperantostern, translation #13669440 by frpzzd
- Er öffnete das Tor zu einer anderen Dimension.He opened the gateway to another dimension.This sentence shows the use of Tor as a gateway to another dimension.Tatoeba #14007575 by Waldelfe, translation #12953937 by Conjuice
- Das Stadttor ist das historische Tor zur AltstadtThe city gate is the historical gateway to the old town
- Die Pforte zur neuen Welt öffnet sich langsamThe gateway to the new world is slowly opening
- Das Eingangstor zum Park ist wunderschönThe gateway to the park is beautiful
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are arriving at a house.
- MaximilianIst das hier die Einfahrt?Is this the entrance?
- SarahJa, Maximilian, fahr vorsichtig ein.Yes, Maximilian, drive in carefully.
- MaximilianSie ist wirklich sehr eng.It is really very narrow.
- SarahKeine Sorge, du schaffst das.Don't worry, you can do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gateway” translations and entries Einfahrt, Tor, Zugang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Einfahrt, Tor, Zugang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
