der Bordstein
curb
The raised edge made of stone or concrete that separates the sidewalk from the roadway.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du mit dem Reifen nicht gegen den Bordstein fährst.
Be careful not to drive the tire against the curb.
der Bordstein
curb
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word 'Bordstein' (curb) is made up of 'Bord' (edge, border) and 'Stein' (stone). So it literally describes the stone that forms an edge.
EXAMPLE
Der Bordstein trennt den Gehweg von der Straße.
The curb separates the sidewalk from the street.
Correct preposition
Pay attention to the preposition and case: you drive 'gegen den Bordstein' (against the curb; accusative), park 'am Bordstein' (at the curb; dative), or step down 'vom Bordstein' (from the curb; dative).
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, fahr nicht zu nah an den Bordstein!
Careful, don't drive too close to the curb!
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'ein hoher/niedriger Bordstein' (a high/low curb) or 'ein abgesenkter Bordstein' (a lowered curb) for wheelchairs and strollers. A typical verb is 'stolpern über' (to trip over).
EXAMPLE
An der Kreuzung gibt es einen abgesenkten Bordstein für Kinderwagen.
At the intersection, there is a lowered curb for strollers.
Compare with
Bordstein vs Gehweg
sidewalk
The Gehweg is the walkable area for pedestrians beside the road. The Bordstein, by contrast, is only the raised edge that separates this area from the roadway. Anyone walking along it is using the Gehweg; anyone waiting at the edge is standing at the Bordstein.
Bordstein
Das Kind hält mit seinem Roller am Bordstein an.
The child stops their scooter at the curb.
Gehweg
Das Kind fährt mit seinem Roller auf dem Gehweg.
The child is riding their scooter on the sidewalk.
In real life
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