German word

durch

Pronunciation

IPA/dʊɐ̯ç/

Meaning

  • prepositionthrough

Example

Der Zug fährt durch den Tunnel.

The train goes through the tunnel.

Illustration for durch (through)

More examples

Das Licht fällt durch das Fenster.

The light falls through the window.

Core concept

A route enters one side of a barrier and continues out the other, while the same channel can carry an action or process.

Common phrases

  • durch die Stadt

    through the city

  • durch den Wald

    through the forest

  • durch das Fenster

    through the window

Similar words

über: Movement over or above something to reach the far side.
mit: An action carried out by using a person, tool, or method.
per: An action carried out through a specified medium or channel.
während: An event taking place during a particular period.

Definition in German

Anzeigt, dass etwas durch etwas hindurchgeht oder dass ein Vorgang mittels etwas geschieht; regiert den Akkusativ.

Word origin

German durch continues Middle High German durch and Old High German duruh, from Proto-Germanic *þurh, an inherited Germanic word.

Usage tips

  • Durch governs the accusative, as in durch den Tunnel, even when the phrase describes a route rather than a destination.

Other meanings

  • by means ofpreposition

Related words

Word lists with this word