German word

Terrain

Pronunciation

IPA/tɛˈʁɛ̃ː/

Meaning

  • neuter nounterrain

Example

Das Terrain ist für Wanderer schwierig.

The terrain is difficult for hikers.

Illustration for Terrain (terrain)

More examples

Bergiges Terrain bietet schöne Ausblicke, verlangt aber Trittsicherheit.

Mountainous terrain offers beautiful views but requires sure footing.

Core concept

A stretch of ground where slopes, bumps, and surface conditions shape how movement is possible.

Common phrases

  • bergiges Terrain

    mountainous terrain

  • unwegsames Terrain

    impassable terrain

Similar words

Gelände: An area of uneven or obstructed ground that can be hard to use.
Untergrund: The soil or rock layer beneath the ground, including its properties.
Boden: The ground surface or the soil and rock forming it.
Hang: A sloping section of ground or a hillside.

Definition in German

Terrain bezeichnet die topographische Struktur eines Geländes, also Steigungen, Unebenheiten und die Bodenbeschaffenheit, die für Bewegung wichtig sind.

Word origin

German borrowed Terrain from French terrain, which goes back to Latin terra, meaning earth or land.

Usage tips

  • Terrain is neuter in German, so the standard form is das Terrain and its plural is die Terrains.

Other meanings

  • topographynoun

Opposites

  • Ebeneplainnoun
  • Flachlandflatlandnoun

Word lists with this word