01
die Diagonale
diagonal
In geometry, a straight line that connects two non-adjacent corners of a polygon or polyhedron.
example
Die Diagonale eines Quadrats ist länger als seine Seite.
The diagonal of a square is longer than its side.
die Diagonale
diagonal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from Greek: 'dia' means 'through' and 'gonia' means 'corner' or 'angle'. A 'Diagonale' (diagonal) is therefore literally a line that goes 'through the corners'.
EXAMPLE
Zeichne eine Linie von einer Ecke quer durch das Viereck zur gegenüberliegenden Ecke.
Draw a line from one corner across the quadrilateral to the opposite corner.
Context clues
The context reveals the meaning: words like 'Quadrat' (square), 'Rechteck' (rectangle), or 'Ecke' (corner) point to geometry. With 'Park' (park), 'Platz' (square), or 'Feld' (field), a slanting direction is meant. Terms like 'Läufer' (bishop), 'Dame' (queen), or 'Feld' (square) point to chess.
EXAMPLE
Der Läufer zog auf der langen, weißen Diagonale.
The bishop moved along the long white diagonal.
Typical verbs
In a geometric context, a 'Diagonale' (diagonal) is typically 'gezeichnet' (drawn), 'konstruiert' (constructed), or 'berechnet' (calculated).
EXAMPLE
Für die nächste Aufgabe müssen wir die Diagonalen des Polygons einzeichnen.
For the next exercise, we have to draw in the diagonals of the polygon.
Use with a preposition
When describing a slanting direction or movement, the fixed expression 'in der Diagonale' (diagonally) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Der Fußballspieler rannte in der Diagonale über das Spielfeld.
The soccer player ran diagonally across the field.
Compare with
Diagonale vs Seite
page / side
'die Seite' and 'die Diagonale' can both appear when talking about shapes, directions, or positions. Here, 'die Seite' refers more to an area to the left or right of a center or an object. 'die Diagonale' is a slanting line or direction, often from one corner to another. They can be confused especially in drawings or when describing routes: a side is located to the side, while a diagonal runs at an angle through or across something.
Diagonale
Für das Muster zieht Lisa eine Diagonale von der linken unteren Ecke zur rechten oberen Ecke.
For the pattern, Lisa draws a diagonal from the lower left corner to the upper right corner.
Seite
Bitte stell den Stuhl auf die rechte Seite des Tisches.
Please put the chair on the right side of the table.
In real life
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