Marktplatz
/ˈmaʁktˌplat͡s/masculine
The English phrase "market square" is Marktplatz in German.
Marktplatz refers to an open area in a town that houses a public market.
Meaning: open area in a town housing a public market (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Markt (market) and Platz (square/place).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Marktplatz is Marktplätze. Because Marktplatz is a masculine noun, it becomes dem Marktplatz in the dative case, which occurs following certain prepositions like nahe (near).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmaʁktˌplats/
Did you know?
- Historically, the Marktplatz often served as the site for the Pranger, a pillory where criminals were displayed for public shaming.
- While Platz means 'square' in Marktplatz, it can also mean 'seat' or 'space'. If a German tells you Platz nehmen, they are asking you to take a seat, not to take a square.
- While Marktplatz is the general term, many German towns use the term Markt on their own to refer specifically to the central square. You might hear someone say 'Wir treffen uns am Markt' (We are meeting at the market) to mean the physical square.
Examples in context
- Nahe dem Marktplatz steht eine imposante Synagoge.Near the market square there is an imposing synagogue.This sentence is useful for describing the location of a building near the Marktplatz.Tatoeba #1605291 by al_ex_an_der, translation #8923811 by carlosalberto
- Der Marktplatz ist das historische Zentrum der Stadt.Market Square is the historic centre of the city.This sentence is useful for describing the Marktplatz as a historical center.Tatoeba #820285 by Manfredo, translation #405906 by sundown
- Entschuldigung, wo befindet sich der Marktplatz?Excuse me, where is the market square located?
- Lass uns am Markt treffen!Let's meet at the market square!
- Der Wochenmarkt findet immer am Samstag auf dem Marktplatz statt.The weekly market always takes place on Saturdays at the market square.
- Der Flohmarkt findet immer am Dorfplatz statt.The flea market always takes place at the village square.
- Wir treffen uns heute auf dem Marktplatz.We are meeting on the market square today.
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are planning their afternoon in the city.
- JuliaGehen wir heute zum Marktplatz?Are we going to the market square today?
- LukasJa, dort gibt es einen schönen Wochenmarkt.Yes, there is a nice weekly market there.
- JuliaPerfekt, ich möchte dort etwas Obst kaufen.Perfect, I want to buy some fruit there.
- LukasAlles klar, ich hole dich um eins ab.All right, I will pick you up at one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “market square” translations and entries Marktplatz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
