Breite
/ˈbʁaɪ̯tə/feminine
The English phrase width is translated into German as Breite or Weite.
Meaning: measurement of something from side to side (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Breite | /ˈbʁaɪ̯tə/ | feminine |
| Weite | /ˈvaɪ̯tə/ | feminine |
Breite is the standard term used in technical, mathematical or physical contexts to describe a dimension. Weite can be employed to denote "width" in formal contexts.
Which one should you use?
While Breite refers to a specific measurement from side to side, Weite refers to a sense of vastness, openness or the spaciousness of an area.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Breite is feminine, so it takes the feminine articles die (nominative/accusative) or der (genitive/dative).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʁaɪ̯tə/
Did you know?
- While Breite is a noun, the related adjective breit can colloquially mean that someone is intoxicated.
- In geographical terms, Breite is used for 'latitude', because it describes the 'width' of the Earth's parallels.
- The German word Breite is a close relative of the English word 'breadth'. Both descend from the same Proto-Germanic root, meaning they share a deep linguistic history.
Examples in context
- Die Straße hat eine Breite von drei Metern.The road is ten feet in width.This sentence is useful for expressing the width of a road using Breite.Tatoeba #1905232 by Tamy, translation #44665 by CK
- Der Fluss hat eine Breite von fünfzig Metern.The river has a width of fifty metres.This sentence is useful for expressing the width of a river using Breite.Tatoeba #1793968 by Tamy, translation #12134044 by sundown
- Die Breite des Flusses beträgt fünfzig Meter.The width of the river is fifty metres.Tatoeba #11792298 by mhr, translation #12134042 by sundown
- Die Breite des Flusses beträgt 50 Meter.The width of the river is 50 meters.
- Die Breite des Bücherregals sollte an den Raum angepasst werden.The width of the bookshelf should be adjusted to the room.
- Bitte geben Sie die Breite des Fensters in Zentimetern an.Please provide the width of the window in centimeters.
- Die Weite des Ozeans ist beeindruckend.The width of the ocean is impressive.
- Die Weite des Feldes ermöglicht dem Wind freien Lauf.The width of the field allows the wind to have free rein.
- Dieses Band ist zwei Zentimeter breit.This ribbon is two centimeters wide.
- Der Fluss ist an dieser Stelle sehr breit.The river is very wide at this spot.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are measuring a rug for their living room.
- LauraWie groß ist die Breite von dem Teppich?What is the width of the rug?
- MaximilianDie Breite ist genau zwei Meter.The width is exactly two meters.
- LauraPasst er in unser Zimmer?Does it fit in our room?
- MaximilianJa, die Breite ist perfekt.Yes, the width is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “width” translations and entries Breite, Weite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Breite, Weite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
