German word

Grenzgebiet

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁɛnt͡sgəˌbiːt/

Meaning

  • neuter nounborder area

Example

Das Grenzgebiet ist stark bewacht.

The border area is heavily guarded.

Illustration for Grenzgebiet (border area)

More examples

In einem militärischen Grenzgebiet sind Bewegungen oft streng reglementiert.

In a military border area, movement is often strictly regulated.

Core concept

A zone beside a boundary where two countries come close enough for movement, control, and local ties to meet.

Common phrases

  • ein Grenzgebiet abriegeln

    seal off a border area

  • militärisches Grenzgebiet

    military border area

  • ländliches Grenzgebiet

    rural border area

Similar words

Grenze: A boundary line or point separating two countries.
Grenzstadt: A border city where crossings, customs, and international contact may shape daily life.
Grenzregion: A wider border region containing multiple towns or villages.
Grenzland: A region adjoining a national border, often marked by its own history or culture.

Definition in German

Ein politisch oder geographisch definierter Bereich an einer Grenze, häufig mit besonderen wirtschaftlichen oder sozialen Merkmalen.

Word origin

The compound Grenzgebiet joins Grenze with Gebiet and therefore names an area associated with a border.

Usage tips

  • German uses im Grenzgebiet for location in a border area, while an der Grenze refers more directly to being at the boundary line.

Other meanings

  • border zonenoun

Opposites

  • Binnenlandinlandnoun

Related words

  • grenzüberschreitendcross-borderadjective
  • Grenzsicherungborder securitynoun
  • Grenzpatrouilleborder patrolnoun

Word lists with this word