German word

Gitter

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgɪtɐ/

Meaning

  • neuter noungrille

Example

Das Gitter am Fenster schützt vor Einbrechern.

The grille on the window protects against burglars.

Illustration for Gitter (grille)

More examples

Die Tauben sitzen auf dem Gitter des Balkons.

The pigeons are sitting on the balcony grille.

Core concept

A framework of bars or strands leaves regular openings while blocking or separating space.

Common phrases

  • hinter dem Gitter

    behind the grille

  • vor dem Gitter stehen

    stand in front of the grille

  • das Gitter öffnen

    open the grille

Similar words

Zaun: An enclosure around land that blocks entry and keeps animals from wandering out.
Tor: An opening with a hinged or sliding barrier for people or vehicles to pass through.
Riegel: A bar fitted to a door or window to hold it shut from inside.
Fenstergitter: A grille fitted over a window to deter break-ins.

Definition in German

Aus Draht, Metall oder Holz gefertigte, flache oder räumliche Konstruktion mit gleichmäßig verteilten Öffnungen, die als Schutz oder Abgrenzung dient.

Word origin

Gitter comes from Middle High German giter, a word for a lattice or fence, and retains the basic idea of an open structure made from bars or strands.

Usage tips

  • Gitter is neuter, so the forms are das Gitter, ein Gitter, and die Gitter; the plural has no ending.

Other meanings

  • iron barsnoun
  • wire meshnoun
  • grid patternnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Gittertorgrille gatenoun
  • Gitterzaungrille fencenoun

Word lists with this word