01
die Nähe
proximity
A small physical distance from something or someone.
example
Der Supermarkt ist zum Glück in der Nähe.
Luckily, the supermarket is nearby.
die Nähe
closeness / proximity
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Nähe' (closeness/proximity) is derived from the adjective 'nah' (near/close). This connection helps you understand the meaning of 'small distance' or 'connectedness.'
EXAMPLE
Das Hotel liegt ganz nah am Strand.
The hotel is very close to the beach.
Context clue
You can tell from context whether the spatial or emotional meaning is intended. If it is about places, it means physical proximity. If it is about people and relationships, it usually means emotional closeness.
EXAMPLE
Die Haltestelle ist in unmittelbarer Nähe.
The stop is in the immediate vicinity.
Typical collocations
In an emotional context, 'Nähe' (closeness) is often used with verbs such as 'suchen' (to seek), 'zulassen' (to allow), 'spüren' (to feel), or 'herstellen' (to establish) to express the need for or experience of connectedness.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit fiel es ihm schwer, wieder Nähe zuzulassen.
After the argument, he found it hard to allow closeness again.
Sentence structure and usage
The expression 'in der Nähe von' (near/in the vicinity of) is used to describe a location. After the preposition 'von', the dative is always used.
EXAMPLE
Der Park befindet sich in der Nähe von unserem Haus.
The park is located near our house.
Compare with
Nähe vs nahe
near / close
'die Nähe' and 'nahe' both describe that something is not far away. The most important difference is the part of speech: 'die Nähe' is a noun, while 'nahe' is an adjective. For example, you say 'in der Nähe von' (near) or 'die Nähe zum Bahnhof' (proximity to the train station). 'nahe' is more often used directly in a description, for example 'Der Bahnhof ist nahe' (the train station is near) or 'eine nahe Freundin' (a close friend). Learners can easily confuse the words because both can fit spatially and emotionally. A practical tip: if you are naming a state or area, use 'die Nähe'; if you are describing something directly, use 'nahe'.
Nähe
Die Nähe zur Praxis ist für den Arzt vor dem Wochenende sehr praktisch.
The proximity to the practice is very convenient for the doctor before the weekend.
nahe
Das Hotel war nahe am Bahnhof, deshalb konnten sie zu Fuß gehen.
The hotel was close to the train station, so they could walk.
In real life
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