Platz
/plat͡s/
The German word Platz refers to a public square or an open area in a town.
While it commonly refers to a public square, it can also mean an available seat or a physical space or room for something. A very common compound noun is Parkplatz, which literally means 'park place' and is used to mean a parking lot.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Platz is masculine and is used with the definite article der. The plural form of the word is Plätze.
How do you pronounce it?
/plats/
Did you know?
- The English word 'place' and the German Platz both trace their roots back to the Ancient Greek word plateîa, meaning 'broad way'.
- In German, the phrase Platz da! is a blunt command used to tell someone to 'move' or 'get out of the way', rather than a request for a seat.
- In German, if you say someone 'hat keinen Platz', it could mean they literally have no room, but it can also imply they have no social standing or position.
Examples in context
- Der Standort des neuen Hotels ist sehr attraktiv für Touristen.The location of the new hotel is very attractive to tourists.
- Dieses Plätzchen am Fluss ist perfekt zum Picknicken!This little spot by the river is perfect for a picnic!
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are planning a meeting in the city center.
- LukasWo treffen wir uns heute?Where are we meeting today?
- SarahAm zentralen Platz in der Stadt.At the central square in the city.
- LukasIst der Platz dort sehr laut?Is the square there very loud?
- SarahJa, aber er ist sehr zentral.Yes, but it is very central.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Platz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Platz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
