01
die Kreuzung
intersection
A place where two or more streets or paths meet and cross.
example
An der nächsten Kreuzung müssen wir rechts abbiegen.
At the next intersection, we have to turn right.
die Kreuzung
intersection / crossing
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The noun 'die Kreuzung' (intersection/crossing) is derived from the verb 'kreuzen' (to cross). The ending '-ung' turns a verb into a feminine noun that often describes the process or the result of the action.
EXAMPLE
Das Kreuzen der Straße ist hier gefährlich.
Crossing the street is dangerous here.
Correct preposition
In road traffic, you use 'an der Kreuzung' (at the intersection) for position and 'über die Kreuzung' (across/through the intersection) for movement. Pay attention to the difference between dative (where?) and accusative (to where?).
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns an der Kreuzung vor dem Supermarkt.
We'll meet at the intersection in front of the supermarket.
Sentence structure with 'aus'
When it comes to biology, the structure 'eine Kreuzung aus ... und ...' (a crossbreed/cross of ... and ...) is often used to name the two 'parents'.
EXAMPLE
Diese Hunderasse ist eine Kreuzung aus einem Schäferhund und einem Husky.
This dog breed is a crossbreed of a German shepherd and a husky.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. Words like 'Straße' (street), 'Ampel' (traffic light), or 'abbiegen' (to turn) point to traffic. Terms like 'Tiere' (animals), 'Pflanzen' (plants), or 'Rasse' (breed) point to biology. Abstract things like 'Stil' (style) or 'Küche' (cuisine) point to the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
An der nächsten großen Kreuzung steht eine Ampel.
There is a traffic light at the next major intersection.
Compare with
Kreuzung vs Ecke
corner
'die Ecke' and 'die Kreuzung' can both describe places on a street where directions come together. An 'Ecke' is the area where two streets or sides meet. The word is often used when describing a nearby place, for example 'an der Ecke' (at the corner). A 'Kreuzung' is more specifically a place where two or more streets or paths cross. There, you often have to turn, wait, or pay attention to traffic. Learners may confuse the words because both occur with streets. If you only mean the street-corner area, 'Ecke' fits. If several streets really intersect, 'Kreuzung' is more precise.
Kreuzung
Wegen des starken Verkehrs bleibt er an der Kreuzung stehen.
Because of the heavy traffic, he stops at the intersection.
Ecke
Sie wartet morgen an der Ecke vor der Bäckerei.
She will wait tomorrow at the corner in front of the bakery.
In real life
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