01
nördlich
northern
Describes a position or direction that lies in the north or points north.
example
Flensburg liegt im nördlichsten Teil von Deutschland.
Flensburg is located in the northernmost part of Germany.
nördlich
northern
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'nördlich' (northern) is derived directly from the noun 'der Norden' (the north). The ending '-lich' is a typical way to form adjectives from nouns, as in 'südlich' (southern), 'östlich' (eastern), and 'westlich' (western).
EXAMPLE
Der Kompass zeigt immer in die nördliche Richtung.
The compass always points in the northern direction.
Use as an adjective
When 'nördlich' (northern) comes directly before a noun, it describes its geographical quality. It is then declined like any other adjective.
EXAMPLE
Die nördliche Küste der Insel ist sehr felsig.
The northern coast of the island is very rocky.
Position with 'von'
To indicate a position relative to another place, the construction 'nördlich von' (north of) + dative is usually used. This structure is very common in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Kiel liegt nördlich von Hamburg.
Kiel is north of Hamburg.
Position with genitive
In more formal contexts or in written language, 'nördlich' (north of) can also be used with the genitive to describe a position. The 'von' is then omitted.
EXAMPLE
Das Gebiet liegt nördlich des Flusses.
The area lies north of the river.
Compare with
nördlich vs Norden
north
'der Norden' and 'nördlich' both have to do with the direction north, but they have different functions in a sentence. 'der Norden' is a noun and means the compass direction or a northern part: 'im Norden' (in the north), 'der Norden des Landes' (the north of the country). 'nördlich' describes a location or direction, often with 'von': 'nördlich von Berlin' (north of Berlin). Learners may confuse them because both are spatially similar. If you are naming a place or area, use 'der Norden'. If you are describing where something is in relation to another place, 'nördlich' fits better.
nördlich
Das kleine Dorf liegt nördlich von Hamburg.
The small village is north of Hamburg.
Norden
Der Norden des Landes bekommt im Winter viel Schnee.
The north of the country gets a lot of snow in winter.
In real life
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