01
links
left
Indicates a direction or position located on the left side. It is the opposite of 'rechts' (right).
example
Biegen Sie an der nächsten Kreuzung links ab.
Turn left at the next intersection.
links
left
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adverb vs. adjective
'Links' (left) is an adverb and does not change. It describes a position or direction. The corresponding adjective 'linke/r/s' (left) is used before a noun and must be declined.
EXAMPLE
Das Badezimmer ist die Tür links. (Adverb)
The bathroom is the door on the left. (Adverb)
Context clue
The meaning of 'links' (left/left-wing) is usually clear from context. If it is about places, routes, or directions, the spatial meaning is intended. In discussions about politics, parties, or society, the political meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Mein Haus ist auf der linken Straßenseite.
My house is on the left side of the street.
Typical collocations
In the spatial meaning, 'links' (left) is often used with prepositions or in fixed combinations. Typical ones are: 'nach links' (to the left), 'links von' (to the left of), and 'links abbiegen' (to turn left).
EXAMPLE
Der Supermarkt befindet sich links von der Post.
The supermarket is to the left of the post office.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemanden links liegen lassen' (to ignore someone) is a fixed unit. The person being ignored is always in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit hat er mich wochenlang links liegen lassen.
After the argument, he ignored me for weeks.
Compare with
links vs recht
right / quite
'recht' and 'links' are opposites in two areas. For direction and position, 'recht' means the right side, while 'links' means the left side. Here, 'recht' is often used as an adjective before a noun, for example 'die rechte Hand' (the right hand). 'links' is usually an adverb here, for example 'links abbiegen' (to turn left) or 'links stehen' (to stand on the left). Politically, the words can also describe opposite directions. They can be confused because the forms are similarly short and because there is also 'rechts'. For directions, you usually say 'rechts' and 'links'; before a noun, you do not say 'rechts', but 'recht' or, more precisely, 'rechte'.
links
Nach der Arbeit biege ich an der Ampel links ab.
After work, I turn left at the traffic light.
recht
Im Gespräch zeigte die Mitarbeiterin auf die rechte Tür.
During the conversation, the employee pointed to the door on the right.
In real life
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