01
das Tor
gate
A large, movable opening in a wall, fence, or building that serves as an entrance or passageway.
example
Das schwere Eisentor des Schlosses wird nachts geschlossen.
The castle's heavy iron gate is closed at night.
das Tor
gate / goal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Careful: article changes meaning
The word 'Tor' has a different meaning depending on the article. 'Das Tor' (neuter) is an entrance or a goal in sports. 'Der Tor' (masculine) is an outdated, literary term for a fool or idiot.
EXAMPLE
Das große Tor der Burg war verschlossen.
The large gate of the castle was locked.
Typical verbs (entrance)
When 'Tor' means an entrance, it is often combined with verbs of movement or action. Typical phrases are: 'ein Tor öffnen' (to open a gate), 'ein Tor schließen' (to close a gate), or 'durch ein Tor gehen' (to go through a gate).
EXAMPLE
Der Bus fuhr durch das offene Tor auf den Hof.
The bus drove through the open gate into the courtyard.
Context clue in sports
In a sports context, the verb helps you understand what is meant. 'Ein Tor schießen' (to score a goal) means to score a point. 'Auf das Tor schießen' (to shoot at the goal) or 'im Tor stehen' (to be in goal) refers to the physical goal structure.
EXAMPLE
Die Stürmerin hat ein fantastisches Tor geschossen.
The striker scored a fantastic goal.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning 'access to something', 'Tor' is often used with the preposition 'zu' (to). It describes the beginning of something new or big.
EXAMPLE
Ein gutes Studium kann das Tor zu einer erfolgreichen Karriere sein.
A good degree can be the gateway to a successful career.
Compare with
Tor vs Punkt
point
'Punkt' and 'Tor' are connected in sports, but they do not mean the same thing. A 'Punkt' is a counting unit in the score. A 'Tor' is the goal scored in sports such as football or handball, when the ball goes into the goal; this goal often then counts as a point or increases the score. In addition, 'Tor' can also mean the structure with posts and a crossbar. The words can be confused because a goal is counted in the score. But you score a 'Tor', and for that the team gets a 'Punkt' in a broader sense or a higher score.
Tor
Kurz vor der Pause schießt Max ein Tor für seine Mannschaft.
Shortly before halftime, Max scores a goal for his team.
Punkt
Im letzten Satz holt Lena den entscheidenden Punkt für ihr Team.
In the final set, Lena wins the decisive point for her team.
In real life
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