01
der Durchgang
passage
A way, passage, or opening that makes it possible to get from one side to the other.
example
Der Durchgang zum Hinterhof ist nur für Anwohner.
The passage to the back courtyard is only for residents.
der Durchgang
passage / round
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of the preposition 'durch' (through) and the noun 'der Gang' (walk/corridor). So it literally describes a 'Gang' (corridor) that you can go through, which explains the main meaning of a passage.
EXAMPLE
Der schmale Durchgang zwischen den Häusern war kaum zu sehen.
The narrow passage between the houses was barely visible.
Word family
'Der Durchgang' (passage) is the nominalization of the verb 'durchgehen' (to go through). The meaning of the noun is therefore closely connected with the act of going through or the place where this happens.
EXAMPLE
Das Durchgehen durch die Sicherheitskontrolle dauerte eine Stunde.
Going through security control took an hour.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about a place, a passage is meant. Words like 'Wettbewerb' (competition), 'Wahl' (election), or 'Runde' (round), on the other hand, point to a phase in a process.
EXAMPLE
Der Durchgang zum Bahnsteig ist wegen Bauarbeiten gesperrt.
The passage to the platform is closed because of construction work.
Typical combinations
In connection with a passage, 'Durchgang' is often used with verbs like 'versperren' (to block), 'blockieren' (to block), or 'freihalten' (to keep clear).
EXAMPLE
Bitte halten Sie den Durchgang für die Rettungskräfte frei.
Please keep the passage clear for the rescue workers.
Typical combinations
When a round in a competition is meant, 'Durchgang' often appears with ordinal numbers like 'erster' (first), 'zweiter' (second), or 'nächster' (next).
EXAMPLE
Im zweiten Durchgang konnte der Läufer seine Zeit verbessern.
In the second round, the runner was able to improve his time.
Compare with
Durchgang vs Satz
sentence / set
'der Satz' and 'der Durchgang' can both mean a section in a competition. 'der Satz' is used especially in sports such as tennis, table tennis, or volleyball. There, a 'Satz' is a clearly defined part of the game with its own points. 'der Durchgang' is more general and means a round or phase in a competition or process, for example in a test, an election, or a race. The words can be confused because both describe a kind of section of a game or competition. If the sport has fixed sets, 'Satz' is more precise; for general rounds, 'Durchgang' fits better.
Durchgang
Sie übt den zweiten Durchgang vor dem Termin noch einmal.
She practices the second round once more before the appointment.
Satz
Im dritten Satz spielte Anna viel sicherer als vorher.
In the third set, Anna played much more confidently than before.
In real life
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