die Entfernung
distance
The spatial distance between two places, points, or objects.
EXAMPLE
Die Entfernung zwischen meinem Wohnort und meiner Arbeit ist ziemlich groß.
The distance between where I live and my work is quite large.
die Entfernung
distance / removal
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Entfernung
removal
The process by which something is taken away or eliminated.
EXAMPLE
Die Entfernung des alten Graffitis von der Wand war sehr aufwendig.
The removal of the old graffiti from the wall was very labor-intensive.
Usage tips
Word family
'Entfernung' (distance/removal) is the nominalization of the verb 'entfernen' (to remove). The verb is made up of 'ent-' (away) and 'fern' (far). So the basic idea is to make something 'far away', which explains both meanings: creating distance and removing something.
EXAMPLE
Bitte entfernen Sie Ihr Fahrzeug aus der Einfahrt.
Please remove your vehicle from the driveway.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about places, routes, or units of measurement like kilometers, 'Abstand' (distance) is meant. If it is about an action in which something is taken away (e.g., a stain, trash), 'Beseitigung' (removal) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Entfernung zwischen Berlin und München beträgt fast 600 Kilometer.
The distance between Berlin and Munich is almost 600 kilometers.
Sentence structure
When 'Entfernung' (distance) describes spatial distance, the structure 'die Entfernung zwischen [A] und [B]' (the distance between [A] and [B]) is often used. The places or points are in the dative case.
EXAMPLE
Wie groß ist die Entfernung zwischen deinem Haus und dem Bahnhof?
How great is the distance between your house and the train station?
Grammatical connections
When 'Entfernung' (removal) means taking something away, the removed object is often connected with the genitive or with 'von' + dative. The genitive is somewhat more formal.
EXAMPLE
Die Entfernung des alten Baumes war notwendig.
The removal of the old tree was necessary.
Compare with
Entfernung vs Strecke
route / distance
Both words can refer to the spatial extent between two places. „Die Entfernung“ (distance) mainly means the gap, regardless of the route, while „die Strecke“ more often refers to the actual route to be covered or the distance of a journey. Use „Entfernung“ for the gap and „Strecke“ for the route.
Entfernung
Die Entfernung zwischen Berlin und Hamburg beträgt ungefähr 250 Kilometer.
The distance between Berlin and Hamburg is approximately 250 kilometers.
Strecke
Die Strecke von Berlin nach Hamburg legen wir mit dem Zug zurück.
We will travel the route from Berlin to Hamburg by train.
In real life
Loading video examples...