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
die Diagonale
diagonal
A slanting line, direction, or movement.
EXAMPLE
Der Weg führt in der Diagonale quer durch den Park.
The path runs diagonally across the park.
die Diagonale
diagonal
In chess, a line of squares of the same color along which pieces such as the bishop or queen move.
EXAMPLE
Der weiße Läufer kontrolliert die lange Diagonale von a1 bis h8.
The white bishop controls the long diagonal from a1 to h8.
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.
In real life
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