01
der Atlas
atlas
A book that contains a collection of geographic, political, or thematic maps.
example
Für den Erdkundeunterricht brauchen wir einen neuen Welt-Atlas.
For geography class, we need a new world atlas.
der Atlas
atlas
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common origin
All meanings of the word go back to the Titan Atlas from Greek mythology. Because he carried the sky, his name was used both for the uppermost cervical vertebra, which carries the head, and for the first map collections, which often showed an image of him.
EXAMPLE
Die Figur des Atlas verbindet Mythologie, Anatomie und Geografie.
The figure of Atlas connects mythology, anatomy, and geography.
Context clues
The context makes the meaning of 'Atlas' clear. If it is about geography, books, or maps, the map collection is meant. If doctors or physiotherapists are talking about the neck, head, or spine, the cervical vertebra is meant. In connection with Greek gods and myths, the Titan is meant.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reiseplanung schlug sie die Route im Atlas nach.
For planning the trip, she looked up the route in the atlas.
Typical collocations
When 'Atlas' is a book, it is often used with verbs like 'nachschlagen' (to look up), 'benutzen' (to use), or 'konsultieren' (to consult). You look something up in an atlas.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die genaue Lage der Stadt im Atlas nachgeschlagen.
I looked up the exact location of the city in the atlas.
Technical term
In the meaning of the cervical vertebra, 'Atlas' is a medical technical term from anatomy. In everyday life, you will rarely hear this word unless someone is talking about specific health problems.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt erklärte, dass die Schmerzen von einer Blockade des Atlas kommen.
The doctor explained that the pain was coming from a blockage of the atlas vertebra.
Compare with
Atlas vs Karte
card / map
'die Karte' and 'der Atlas' both have to do with geographic representations. A 'Karte' shows an area, for example a city, a country, or a region. An 'Atlas' is a book or collection with many maps. Learners may confuse the words because both contain information about places and countries. The simple difference is: a single representation is a Karte, while a collection of maps is an Atlas.
Atlas
Im Atlas sucht die Klasse heute die Länder Europas.
Today the class is looking up the countries of Europe in the atlas.
Karte
Du brauchst eine Karte, wenn du den kleinen Ort finden willst.
You need a map if you want to find the small town.
In real life
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