Seite
/ˈzaɪ̯tə/feminine
The German word for 'side' is Seite.
Seite refers to the bounding straight edge of an object. It is also the same word used in German to refer to a 'page' of a book.
Meaning: bounding straight edge of an object (noun)
Which one should you use?
While you can say Seite an Seite to mean 'side by side' in a metaphorical or poetic sense, the adverb nebeneinander is more common when describing physical positioning.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some southern German and Austrian dialects, Die Seitn is used to say 'side'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Seite is Seiten. The word is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzaɪ̯tə/
Did you know?
- While Seite means 'page', Germans also use it in the phrase auf der gleichen Seite sein to describe being in agreement with someone.
- The German Seite is a direct cognate of the English 'side', meaning they both descend from the same Proto-Germanic ancestor word *sīdǭ.
Examples in context
- Er ist an ihrer Seite.He is at her side.The sentence is useful for showing how to use Seite to mean 'at someone's side'.Tatoeba #1768628 by Esperantostern, translation #712992 by CC
- Auf wessen Seite ist Tom?Whose side is Tom on?This sentence shows how to ask which side someone is on using Seite.Tatoeba #5009484 by al_ex_an_der, translation #5008944 by CK
- Sie saßen Seite an Seite.They sat side by side.This sentence demonstrates the poetic usage of Seite in the phrase 'side by side'.Tatoeba #5503926 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #307513 by CK
- Die KehrseiteReverse side or the flip side of something
- 275 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are looking at a wooden table in a shop.
- HannahDie Seite des Tisches ist glatt.The side of the table is smooth.
- FelixIst die andere Seite auch glatt?Is the other side also smooth?
- HannahJa, jede Seite sieht gut aus.Yes, every side looks good.
- FelixDann nehmen wir ihn.Then we will take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “side” translations and entries Seite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Seite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
