Mediterranean region
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Mediterranean region
The geographical region that includes the Mediterranean Sea and all neighboring countries and coastal areas in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Der Olivenanbau ist typisch für die Landwirtschaft im Mittelmeerraum.
Olive cultivation is typical of agriculture in the Mediterranean region.
The word is built from three parts: 'Mittel-' (middle) + 'Meer' (sea) + 'Raum' (region/space). The 'Mittelmeer' (Mediterranean Sea) is literally the sea 'in the middle' of the ancient world. The 'Mittelmeerraum' (Mediterranean region) is therefore the region around this sea.
Die Römer nannten das Mittelmeer „mare nostrum“ (unser Meer).
The Romans called the Mediterranean Sea 'mare nostrum' (our sea).
When speaking about the region as a place, the preposition 'im' is almost always used. The question for this is 'Wo?' (where?), and it is followed by the dative.
Im Mittelmeerraum herrscht ein besonderes Klima.
A special climate prevails in the Mediterranean region.
The adjective that describes things from this region is 'mediterran' (Mediterranean). It is often used for climate, cuisine, plants, or lifestyle.
Ich liebe die mediterrane Küche mit viel Olivenöl und frischem Gemüse.
I love Mediterranean cuisine with lots of olive oil and fresh vegetables.
Mediterranean Sea
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.
Im Mittelmeerraum wachsen viele Pflanzen, die trockene Sommer vertragen.
Many plants that can tolerate dry summers grow in the Mediterranean region.
Im Sommer baden viele Touristen im warmen Mittelmeer.
In summer, many tourists swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea.
