links
/lɪŋks/
The German word for left is links.
The word links describes the west side of the body when one is facing north. It functions as both an adjective and an adverb. As an adverb, it does not change form when describing a direction of movement, such as when you are turning left.
Meaning: west side of the body when one is facing north (adj)
Which one should you use?
The opposite of links is rechts (right).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective before a noun, links must take an inflectional ending, such as linke, linker or linkes, depending on the gender and case of the noun. Note that the noun Linke refers specifically to the ensemble of left-wing political parties.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɪŋks/
Did you know?
- German has a specific word Linkshänder for a left-handed person, and historically, left-handedness was associated with clumsiness or bad luck.
- The word links is a cognate with the Dutch word links, meaning they share a common linguistic ancestor.
- The term linke Hand is sometimes used in idioms to describe a lack of skill or a specific way of handling a situation, contrasting with the 'right hand'.
Examples in context
- Biege hier links ab.Turn left here.The sentence using links is useful for giving directions on how to turn.Tatoeba #10051256 by wolfgangth, translation #2253826 by CK
- Wir kamen von links.We came from the left.The sentence using links is useful for describing movement coming from a certain direction.Tatoeba #13370867 by Waldelfe, translation #11880534 by Amastan
- Der Ausgang ist links.The exit is on the left.The sentence using links is useful for stating the location of an exit.Tatoeba #8618986 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8618987 by CK
- Sie können nach links abbiegen.You can turn left.
- Die Toiletten befinden sich links.The restrooms are located on the left.
- Gehen Sie geradeaus und biegen Sie dann nach links ab.Go straight ahead and then turn left.
- Siehst du das Geschäft dort links?Do you see the store on the left?
- Der Parkplatz befindet sich auf der linken Seite.The parking lot is on the left side.
- 225 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are looking at a photo of themselves.
- LukasWer ist das auf der linken Seite?Who is that on the left side?
- SarahDas bin ich, ganz links.That is me, on the far left.
- LukasDu siehst links im Bild sehr gut aus.You look very good on the left in the picture.
- SarahDanke, Lukas!Thanks, Lukas!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry links, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries links, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
