die Distanz
distance
The spatial gap or distance between two points, places, or objects.
EXAMPLE
Die Distanz zwischen den beiden Städten beträgt ungefähr 200 Kilometer.
The distance between the two cities is about 200 kilometers.
die Distanz
distance
die Distanz, die Distanzen
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Meanings
die Distanz
distance
A lack of emotional closeness or familiarity; a cool, reserved attitude toward other people.
EXAMPLE
Trotz jahrelanger Zusammenarbeit wahrte sie immer eine professionelle Distanz zu ihren Kollegen.
Despite years of working together, she always maintained a professional distance from her colleagues.
die Distanz
distance
A set course or distance in a sports competition, especially in running, swimming, or racing.
EXAMPLE
Der Läufer war auf der kurzen Distanz unschlagbar, hatte aber auf der Langstrecke Probleme.
The runner was unbeatable over the short distance but had problems in the long-distance race.
auf Distanz gehen
to distance oneself
To deliberately move away from someone or something emotionally or socially.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit ist er zu seinen alten Freunden deutlich auf Distanz gegangen.
After the argument, he clearly distanced himself from his old friends.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Distanz, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Distanzen |
| genitive | der Distanz |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Distanz | die Distanzen |
| accusative | die Distanz | die Distanzen |
| dative | der Distanz | den Distanzen |
| genitive | der Distanz | der Distanzen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical prepositions
'Distanz' (distance) is often used with the prepositions 'zu' (to; direction/reference) and 'zwischen' (between; two points). The phrase 'auf Distanz' describes a state of distance.
EXAMPLE
Bitte halte mehr Distanz zum vorderen Fahrzeug.
Please keep more distance from the vehicle in front.
Die Distanz zwischen den beiden Inseln ist nicht groß.
The distance between the two islands is not great.
Context clue
You can tell from context whether a spatial or emotional distance is meant. If it is about places and measurements (meters, kilometers), it is spatial. If it is about feelings, relationships, and behavior, it is emotional.
EXAMPLE
Aus dieser Distanz kann ich das Schild nicht lesen.
From this distance, I can't read the sign.
Nach dem Streit herrschte eine eisige Distanz zwischen ihnen.
After the argument, there was an icy distance between them.
Typical collocations
In an emotional or social context, people often talk about 'Distanz wahren' (to maintain distance), 'Distanz halten' (to keep one's distance), or 'Distanz schaffen' (to create distance).
EXAMPLE
Als Lehrerin muss sie eine professionelle Distanz zu den Schülern wahren.
As a teacher, she has to maintain a professional distance from the students.
Sentence structure of the phrase
The phrase 'auf Distanz gehen' (to distance oneself) is used with the preposition 'zu' + dative to express whom or what one is distancing oneself from.
EXAMPLE
Er ist nach der Auseinandersetzung zu seinen Kollegen auf Distanz gegangen.
After the confrontation, he distanced himself from his colleagues.
Compare with
Distanz vs Strecke
route / distance
In a competition, „die Strecke“ refers more to the specific route or its course. „Die Distanz“ (distance), on the other hand, emphasizes the measurable length. Use „Strecke“ when describing the course; „Distanz“ is more suitable for stating a length.
Distanz
Die Distanz des Laufs beträgt genau zehn Kilometer.
The distance of the race is exactly ten kilometers.
Strecke
Die Strecke des Laufs führt durch den Stadtpark und am Fluss entlang.
The course leads through the city park and along the river.
In real life
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