Süden
/ˈzyːdən/masculine
The German word for 'south' is Süden. Wiktionary also lists Sied.
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Süden | /ˈzyːdən/ /ˈsyːdɛn/ |
masculine |
| Sied | Rhine Franconian |
Süden is a masculine noun used to refer to the compass point.
Which one should you use?
Use the noun Süden when referring to the direction or region as a place. In contrast, you can use the prefix süd- or the adjective südlich to describe something as being of or pertaining to the south.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Sied is a variation of Süden used in Rhine-Franconian dialects.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing movement towards the south, use the preposition nach without an article, as in nach Süden. When stating that something is located 'in the south', use the contraction im (a combination of 'in dem') with the dative masculine form Süden, resulting in im Süden.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzyːdən/
Did you know?
- German speakers often use the term Südländer to describe people from southern Europe, a term that carries different social connotations than the English 'southerner'.
- The word Süden actually originates from an ancient Proto-Germanic adverb that meant 'from the south'.
Examples in context
- Tom geht nach Süden.Tom is walking south.This sentence shows movement towards the south using Süden.Tatoeba #5488283 by wolfgangth, translation #2273625 by CK
- Er kam aus dem Süden.He came from the south.This sentence describes someone coming from the south using Süden.Tatoeba #1658064 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1658213 by CM
- Nizza liegt im Süden.Nice is to the south.This sentence uses the contraction im Süden to describe a location.Tatoeba #11563905 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3260263 by sundown
- Die Fahrt führt uns in den Süden des Landes.The journey takes us to the south of the country.
- Unser Unternehmen expandiert weiter in Richtung Süden.Our company is expanding further towards the south.
- Gemma in Süd'n auf Urlaub?Shall we go on vacation down south?
- Äs isch schön im Süde vo dr Schwiz.It's beautiful in the south of Switzerland.
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are looking at a map while hiking.
- JulianWohin führt dieser Weg?Which way does this path lead?
- HannahEr führt direkt in den Süden.It leads directly into the south.
- JulianIst es dort sehr weit?Is it very far there?
- HannahJa, wir müssen nach Süden wandern.Yes, we have to hike south.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “south” translations and entries Süden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Süden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
