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
links
left-wing
Refers to a political orientation that supports social equality and state intervention in the economy.
EXAMPLE
Diese Partei wird dem linken Spektrum zugeordnet.
This party is assigned to the left-wing spectrum.
jemanden links liegen lassen
to ignore someone
To deliberately ignore or pay no attention to a person.
EXAMPLE
Seit unserem Streit lässt sie mich einfach links liegen.
Ever since our argument, she has simply been ignoring me.
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 rot
red
links is the general term for a political orientation that supports social equality and state intervention. rot also describes a left-wing orientation, but particularly emphasizes its connection with socialism or communism.
links
Die neue Partei vertritt eine klar linke Politik.
The new party advocates a clearly left-wing policy.
rot
Die kommunistische Partei vertritt eine klar rote Politik.
The communist party clearly advocates a red political agenda.
In real life
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