German word

Winkel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɪŋkl̩/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncorner

Example

Sie versteckte das Geschenk im Winkel des Regals.

She hid the gift in the corner of the shelf.

Illustration for Winkel (corner)

More examples

Nach dem Streit zog sie sich in den Winkel des Cafés zurück.

After the argument, she withdrew into a corner of the cafe.

Core concept

A small recess at the meeting point of surfaces, often partly hidden from ordinary view.

Common phrases

  • sich in den Winkel zurückziehen

    retreat into a corner

  • in einem dunklen Winkel

    in a dark corner

  • um jeden Winkel des Gebäudes

    around every corner of the building

Similar words

Ecke: The ordinary corner of a room, desk, or other space where surfaces meet.
Nische: A small, recessed space designed into a wall, building, or piece of furniture.

Definition in German

Eine enge, oft abgelegene Ecke eines Raums oder Gegenstands; in festen Wendungen für versteckte Stellen gebräuchlich.

Word origin

The German noun Winkel comes through Middle High German winkel from Old High German winkil, an inherited Germanic form associated with corners and angles.

Usage tips

  • Ecke is usually more neutral for an ordinary room corner, while Winkel often suggests a secluded spot and is also the standard word for a geometric angle.

Other meanings

  • anglenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word