das Mittelmeer
Mediterranean Sea
The inland sea located between Europe, Africa, and Asia.
EXAMPLE
Viele antike Hochkulturen entwickelten sich rund um das Mittelmeer.
Many ancient advanced civilizations developed around the Mediterranean Sea.
das Mittelmeer
Mediterranean Sea
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The name 'Mittelmeer' (Mediterranean Sea) is made up of 'Mittel-' (from 'Mitte', middle) and 'Meer' (sea). Historically, it was the sea in the middle of the then-known world: Europe, Asia, and Africa.
EXAMPLE
Das Mittelmeer verbindet drei Kontinente.
The Mediterranean Sea connects three continents.
Important prepositions
Different prepositions are used depending on the situation: you travel 'ans Mittelmeer' (to the Mediterranean, direction, accusative), go on vacation 'am Mittelmeer' (on/at the Mediterranean, location, dative), and swim 'im Mittelmeer' (in the Mediterranean, in the water, dative).
EXAMPLE
Diesen Sommer fliegen wir für zwei Wochen ans Mittelmeer.
This summer we're flying to the Mediterranean for two weeks.
Typical collocations
Common word combinations are 'Urlaub am Mittelmeer' (vacation on the Mediterranean), 'die Mittelmeerküste' (the Mediterranean coast), 'die Länder am Mittelmeer' (the countries on the Mediterranean), or 'eine Mittelmeerkreuzfahrt' (a Mediterranean cruise).
EXAMPLE
Die italienische Mittelmeerküste ist für ihre malerischen Dörfer bekannt.
The Italian Mediterranean coast is known for its picturesque villages.
Compare with
Mittelmeer vs Mittelmeerraum
Mediterranean region
Das Mittelmeer refers to the sea itself. Der Mittelmeerraum, by contrast, is the larger geographical region that includes the sea and the neighboring countries and coasts. When talking about water, islands, or the sea, das Mittelmeer is the right choice; for the climate, countries, or a region, der Mittelmeerraum is appropriate.
Mittelmeer
Im Sommer baden viele Touristen im warmen Mittelmeer.
In summer, many tourists swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea.
Mittelmeerraum
Im Mittelmeerraum wachsen viele Pflanzen, die trockene Sommer vertragen.
Many plants that can tolerate dry summers grow in the Mediterranean region.
In real life
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