rechts von
/ʁɛçt͡s fɔn/word by word
The German phrase for 'right of' is rechts von.
rechts von is used to describe a position that is to the right side of another person or object.
Which one should you use?
While 'rechts von' is used to specify a position relative to an object (right of X), the single word rechts is used to describe a general direction or a side (on the right). In many contexts where English uses 'to the right of', German speakers may use rechts neben (to the right next to) to emphasize that the objects are adjacent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition von always requires the dative case, so if you are saying 'to the right of the [noun]', the article must be in the dative form, such as in rechts von dem.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɛçts fɔn/
Did you know?
- In German, the word for 'right' (rechts) and the word for 'law' (Recht) are virtually identical, reflecting an ancient belief that the right hand represented the correct or lawful side.
- The preposition von used in rechts von shares a common ancestor with the English word 'from', as both trace back to Proto-Germanic roots.
- While rechts von describes position, the word rechts is also used in politics to describe the 'right wing' of the political spectrum.
Examples in context
- Wenn sich das Schachbrett in der richtigen Position befindet, ist das Feld h1 rechts von Weiß ein weißes Feld. Folglich ist das Feld a8 rechts von Schwarz auch ein weißes Feld.If the chessboard is in the right position, the square h1 to the right of White is a white square. Consequently, the square a8 to the right of Black is also a white square.This example shows how to use rechts von when describing the position of squares on a chessboard.Tatoeba #9951811 by carlosalberto, translation #9951752 by carlosalberto
- Jeder hat den Anspruch auf ein faires Verfahren.Everyone has the right to a fair trial.
- Ich habe das Recht, meine eigene Entscheidung zu treffen.I have the right to make my own decision.
- Er het s'Recht uf es organisiertes LäbeHe has the right to an organized life
- Der Supermarkt liegt direkt rechts von der Post.The supermarket is located directly to the right of the post office.
- Setz dich bitte rechts von mir.Please sit to the right of me.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are looking for a specific book on a shelf.
- SarahSiehst du das blaue Buch?Do you see the blue book?
- JulianJa, ich sehe es jetzt.Yes, I see it now.
- SarahDas rote Buch ist rechts von dem blauen.The red book is to the right of the blue one.
- JulianAlles klar, ich habe es gefunden.All right, I found it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (rechts, von) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rechts, von, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
