Nordosten
The English phrase 'north east' is translated into German as Nordosten.
Nordosten refers to the direction or region halfway between north and east. In German, cardinal directions are not typically hyphenated, such as writing Nordosten instead of Nord-Osten.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Nordosten is a compound of Nord (north) and Osten (east).
Which one should you use?
While Nordosten is the standard noun for the direction or region, you may encounter the shortened form Nordost. This version is often used as a prefix in compound words, such as Nordostwind (north-east wind). Additionally, if you want to describe a specific area, you can use the phrase der nordöstliche Teil to mean 'the northeastern part'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a direction or position using an adjective, use nordöstlich (north-easterly or in the north-east direction). When you are referring to a specific region, such as 'in the north-east of the country', use the prepositional phrase im Nordosten.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Osten for 'east' shares a root with the word Ost used in the phrase Nordosten, but it is etymologically linked to the rising sun and the concept of 'opening'.
- In old nautical German, directions like Nordosten were often referred to by the winds that blew from them. A sailor would not just name the direction, but the specific 'wind-name' associated with that compass point.
- While Nordosten is a noun, the adjective nordöstlich can be used as an adverb to describe movement, meaning 'towards the north-east' without needing a preposition.
Examples in context
- Es ist ein schöner Herbsttag im Nordosten.It's a beautiful autumn day in the north-east.This sentence shows how to use Nordosten to describe a day in a specific region.Tatoeba #11516948 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10472692 by sundown
- Céline reiste mit dem Zug heim nach Nordosten.Céline travelled home by train to the north-east.This sentence illustrates traveling toward the direction of Nordosten.Tatoeba #10676210 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9456785 by sundown
- Der nordöstliche Teil Deutschlands ist für seine hügelige Landschaft bekannt.The northeastern part of Germany is known for its hilly landscape.
- Lass uns mal in den Nordosten fahren und eine Wanderung machen.Let's go to the North East and go for a hike.
- Der Wind kommt heute aus dem Nordosten.The wind is coming from the northeast today.
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are looking at a map together.
- LauraWo liegt diese Stadt genau?Where exactly is this city located?
- MaximilianSie liegt im Nordosten vom Land.It is in the northeast of the country.
- LauraIst das weit von hier entfernt?Is that far from here?
- MaximilianJa, wir müssen weit in den Nordosten reisen.Yes, we have to travel far into the northeast.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Nordosten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
