main square
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main square
The central and most important square in a city or town, often forming the social, administrative, and commercial center. This term is especially common in Austria and southern Germany.
Jeden Samstag findet auf dem Hauptplatz ein großer Wochenmarkt statt.
Every Saturday, a large weekly market takes place on the main square.
The prefix 'Haupt-' means 'most important' or 'central'. You can find it in many words, e.g. 'Hauptstadt' (capital city), 'Hauptbahnhof' (main train station), or 'Hauptstraße' (main street). A 'Hauptplatz' is therefore the most important square in a city.
Der Hauptbahnhof liegt nur fünf Minuten vom Hauptplatz entfernt.
The main train station is only five minutes away from the main square.
The term 'Hauptplatz' (main square) is especially widespread in Austria and southern Germany for naming the central square of a city. In other regions of Germany, terms like 'Marktplatz' (market square) are often more common.
In Graz ist der Hauptplatz der zentrale Treffpunkt.
In Graz, the main square is the central meeting point.
To describe an activity on the square, you use 'auf dem Hauptplatz' (on the main square). To describe a position at the edge of the square, you use 'am Hauptplatz' (at/by the main square).
Wir treffen uns auf dem Hauptplatz vor dem Brunnen.
We'll meet on the main square in front of the fountain.
market square / marketplace
'Marktplatz' and 'Hauptplatz' can both refer to a central square in a place. A 'Marktplatz' is especially the square where markets take place or used to take place. A 'Hauptplatz' is generally the most important square in a place, often with a town hall, shops, or important buildings. The words can be confused because in many places the market square is also the main square. If the market is important, 'Marktplatz' is more precise. If it is about the central square in general, 'Hauptplatz' sounds more natural, especially in Austria and southern Germany.
Am Hauptplatz wartet Herr Braun vor dem Rathaus auf seine Freunde.
Mr. Braun is waiting for his friends in front of the town hall on the main square.
Auf dem Marktplatz kaufen wir am Samstag frisches Gemüse.
On Saturday, we buy fresh vegetables at the market square.