das Epizentrum
epicenter
The point on the Earth's surface directly above the point where an earthquake originates.
EXAMPLE
Das Epizentrum des Erdbebens lag nahe der Küste.
The epicenter of the earthquake was near the coast.
das Epizentrum
epicenter
das Epizentrum, die Epizentren
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Meanings
das Epizentrum
epicenter
The central location or focal point of an important event, development, or activity.
EXAMPLE
Die Hauptstadt wurde zum Epizentrum der politischen Proteste.
The capital became the epicenter of the political protests.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Epizentrum, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Epizentren |
| genitive | des Epizentrums |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Epizentrum | die Epizentren |
| accusative | das Epizentrum | die Epizentren |
| dative | dem Epizentrum | den Epizentren |
| genitive | des Epizentrums | der Epizentren |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Epizentrum' (epicenter) contains the word 'Zentrum' (center) and the prefix 'epi-', which indicates a position on or above something. In an earthquake, the epicenter lies on the Earth's surface above the underground point where the earthquake originates.
EXAMPLE
Das Epizentrum befindet sich senkrecht über dem Herd des Bebens.
The epicenter is directly above the focus of the earthquake.
Typical collocations
In its earthquake sense, 'Epizentrum' (epicenter) frequently occurs with phrases such as 'eines Erdbebens' (of an earthquake), 'lokalisieren' (to locate), or 'in der Nähe liegen' (to be nearby). It is often used with a geographical location.
EXAMPLE
Die Behörden konnten das Epizentrum des Bebens schnell lokalisieren.
The authorities were able to locate the epicenter of the earthquake quickly.
Context clue
The figurative meaning can be recognized by topics such as politics, protests, conflicts, or cultural developments. If the sentence instead contains details about earthquakes, measurements, or geographical location, the literal meaning is usually intended.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt entwickelte sich zum Epizentrum einer neuen Kunstbewegung.
The city developed into the epicenter of a new art movement.
In real life
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