01
der Kreis
circle
A round, closed line in which all points are the same distance from the center; a circular area or arrangement.
example
Die Kinder malten bunte Kreise auf das Papier.
The children drew colorful circles on the paper.
der Kreis
circle / district
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Kreis' (circle/district) from context. Is it about geometry or a round shape? Is it about a social group? Or is it about an administrative region in Germany?
EXAMPLE
Wir saßen im Kreis und sangen Lieder.
We sat in a circle and sang songs.
Compound word formation
To describe a social group, 'Kreis' (circle) is often used as the second part of a compound noun. Examples are 'Freundeskreis' (circle of friends), 'Familienkreis' (family circle), or 'Lesekreis' (reading group).
EXAMPLE
Mein Freundeskreis ist mir sehr wichtig.
My circle of friends is very important to me.
German context
The meaning 'Landkreis' (district/rural district) is specific to the German administrative system. Here, a 'Kreis' is an administrative unit between the municipalities and the federal state, comparable to a 'county' in other countries.
EXAMPLE
Für den neuen Pass müssen Sie zur Verwaltung des Kreises gehen.
For the new passport, you have to go to the district administration.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich im Kreis drehen' (to go in circles) means that you are not making progress on a topic or problem. You repeat arguments without finding a solution.
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion über das Budget dreht sich seit Stunden im Kreis.
The discussion about the budget has been going in circles for hours.
Fixed expression
'Den Kreis schließen' (to close the circle) is an idiom and means to logically conclude a story or argument by returning to the starting point. It creates a connection between the beginning and the end.
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser letzten Bemerkung schließt sich der Kreis zu meiner anfänglichen Frage.
With this final remark, the circle closes back to my initial question.
Compare with
Kreis vs Gruppe
group
'die Gruppe' and 'der Kreis' can both refer to people who are connected with one another. 'Gruppe' is neutral and general: people or things belong together or do something together. With people, 'Kreis' more often refers to a fixed social circle, for example friends, colleagues, or people with similar interests. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases you are talking about several people. 'Gruppe' works well for concrete tasks or situations. 'Kreis' sounds more natural when relationships, trust, or a shared environment are important.
Kreis
Im kleinen Kreis besprechen wir morgen die neuen Ideen.
Tomorrow we will discuss the new ideas in a small circle.
Gruppe
In der E-Mail informiert der Mitarbeiter die ganze Gruppe über die Reise.
In the email, the employee informs the whole group about the trip.
In real life
Loading video examples...