grenzen an
to border on
To have a shared geographical border with another region, country, or piece of land.
EXAMPLE
Österreich grenzt im Norden an Deutschland.
Austria borders Germany to the north.
grenzen
to border / verge
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Meanings
grenzen an
to verge on
In a figurative sense, to come very close to a certain quality or state.
EXAMPLE
Seine Reaktion grenzte schon an Unverschämtheit.
His reaction was already verging on insolence.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'grenzen' (to border/verge) is derived directly from the noun 'die Grenze' (the border). If you know the noun, you can more easily infer the meaning of the verb.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Mauer bildet die Grenze unseres Grundstücks.
The old wall forms the boundary of our property.
Fixed preposition
The verb 'grenzen' (to border/verge) is almost always used with the preposition 'an' and the accusative. The pattern is: etwas grenzt an etwas (Akkusativ) (something borders on something).
EXAMPLE
Unser Garten grenzt direkt an einen öffentlichen Park.
Our garden borders directly on a public park.
Context clue
Whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended can be recognized from the object after 'an'. Geographical places point to the literal meaning, while abstract terms point to the figurative one.
EXAMPLE
Polen grenzt an die Ostsee.
Poland borders on the Baltic Sea.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'grenzen an' (to verge on) is often combined with strong, abstract nouns to describe an extreme state. Common phrases are 'an ein Wunder grenzen' (to border on a miracle), 'an Wahnsinn grenzen' (to border on madness), or 'an Dummheit grenzen' (to border on stupidity).
EXAMPLE
Es grenzt an ein Wunder, dass bei dem Sturm niemand verletzt wurde.
It borders on a miracle that no one was injured in the storm.
In real life
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