Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Steigung | feminine | |
| Hang | /haŋ/ | masculine |
| Abhang | [ˈapˌhaŋ] (narrow) | masculine |
The term for slope depends on whether you are describing a physical surface, a measurement of an incline or a specific downward descent. While Hang is a neutral term for a hillside or mountainside, Abhang specifically refers to a downward slope or a steep drop-off, often implying a sense of danger or a descent. The verb ausschrägen can be used to mean forming something with a slope.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on what aspect of a slope you are describing. Steigung refers to the degree or measurement of the incline, known as the gradient. In contrast, Hang refers to the physical surface of the slope itself. Abhang is used when the slope is a downward drop-off.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Steigung is a feminine noun. It follows standard German declension: die Steigung (nominative), der Steigung (genitive/dative) and die Steigung (accusative). Hang is a masculine noun: der Hang (nominative), des Hangs (genitive) and den Hang (accusative).
Did you know?
- The word Hang can also mean a 'tendency' or 'predilection' in a psychological context, as in ein Hang zu etwas haben.
- The noun Hang shares the same linguistic root as the verb hängen, meaning 'to hang'.
- In the Alps, local dialects often replace the standard Hang with specific terms that describe the exact orientation of the slope relative to the sun.
Examples in context
- Ich lief den Hang hinab.I ran down the slope.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the word Hang to describe running down a surface.Tatoeba #2628316 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11031363 by sundown
- Das ist ein rutschiger Abhang.It's a slippery slope.This sentence shows how to use Abhang to describe a slippery slope.Tatoeba #3169478 by brauchinet, translation #3168565 by CK
- Wir erklommen einen steilen Abhang.We climbed a steep slope.This sentence demonstrates using Abhang to describe climbing a steep slope.Tatoeba #8385326 by Yorwba, translation #2154898 by oneconor
- Der Hang des Berges ist sehr steilThe slope of the mountain is very steep
- Die Straße endet an der BöschungThe road ends at the slope
- Das Gefälle des Flusses ist sehr sanftThe slope of the river is very gentle
- Hast du heute schon eine Piste heruntergefahren?Have you already gone down a slope today?
- Wir sind den steilen Abhang hinuntergerutschtWe slid down the steep slope
- Der Skifahrer fuhr die steile Piste hinunterThe skier went down the steep slope
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are hiking up a hill.
- MaximilianDie Steigung hier ist wirklich extrem.The slope here is really extreme.
- HannahJa, ich brauche kurz eine Pause.Yes, I need a short break.
- MaximilianWollen wir eine andere Steigung suchen?Should we look for a different slope?
- HannahNein, wir schaffen das bis oben.No, we can make it to the top.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slope” translations and entries Steigung, Hang, Abhang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Abhang, Hang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
