Westen
/ˈvɛstən/masculine
In German, the English phrase 'west' is translated as Westen. Wiktionary also lists West.
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Westen | /ˈvɛstən/ | masculine |
| West | /ˈvɛst/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
West and Westen are both masculine nouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing being located within a western region, use the preposition 'in' with the dative form 'dem Westen' (contracted to im Westen). The preposition gen is a shortened, poetic or archaic form of gegen used specifically with directions to mean 'towards'. Related adverbs like westlich and westwärts can be used to mean 'towards the west'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvɛstən/
Did you know?
- In German, Westen can refer to a cardinal direction or to a 'waistcoat' or 'vest', as both words are spelled identically.
- The word Westen is frequently used in Germany to describe the geopolitical region of the former Federal Republic of Germany, distinct from the Osten.
- The word West comes from Proto-West Germanic *westr, making it a direct cognate of the English 'west'.
Examples in context
- Sie ist im Westen.She's in the west.This sentence shows how to use West to describe being located in a western area.Tatoeba #13422065 by Waldelfe, translation #13419597 by frpzzd
- Tom zog gen Westen.Tom went west.This sentence demonstrates the use of West with the poetic preposition gen to indicate movement towards a direction.Tatoeba #6144328 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1140875 by CK
- Wir gehen nach Westen.We're going west.This sentence shows the use of Westen when moving towards the west.Tatoeba #5221219 by Esperantostern, translation #2240776 by CK
- Kommst du aus dem Osten oder aus dem Westen?Are you from the east or from the west?
- Ich reise gerne in den Westen Deutschlands.I enjoy traveling to the west of Germany.
- Seine Familie stammt aus dem Osten, aber er lebt jetzt im Westen.His family is from the east, but he now lives in the west.
- Die westliche Kultur hat einige interessante Traditionen.Western culture has some interesting traditions.
- Im Westen Deutschlands gibt es wunderschöne Landschaften.In the west of Germany, there are stunning landscapes.
- 133 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are looking at a map during a hike.
- LukasWo ist der Westen?Where is the west?
- LauraDer Westen liegt dort vorne.The west lies over there.
- LukasIst das der Weg in den Westen?Is that the way to the west?
- LauraJa, genau.Yes, exactly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “west” translations and entries Westen, West, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries West, Westen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
