The side of an object, such as a mountain, house, or property, that faces north.
example
Auf der Nordseite des Hauses wächst wegen des fehlenden Sonnenlichts viel Moos.
A lot of moss grows on the north side of the house because of the lack of sunlight.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is clearly composed of 'Nord' (north) and 'Seite' (side). So it literally describes the side that faces north.
EXAMPLE
Die Nordseite des Berges liegt meistens im Schatten.
The north side of the mountain is usually in the shade.
Word family
The word follows a simple pattern that also applies to the other cardinal directions: 'Südseite' (south side), 'Ostseite' (east side), and 'Westseite' (west side). This lets you easily name the side of an object in relation to all four main directions.
EXAMPLE
Die Südseite des Gartens ist ideal für sonnenliebende Pflanzen.
The south side of the garden is ideal for sun-loving plants.
Correct preposition
To describe a position, 'Nordseite' (north side) is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and the dative: 'auf der Nordseite' (on the north side).
EXAMPLE
Auf der Nordseite der Insel ist das Meer oft rauer.
On the north side of the island, the sea is often rougher.
Typical collocations
'Nordseite' (north side) is typically used to describe parts of buildings, mountains, or properties. Common combinations are 'die Nordseite des Hauses' (the north side of the house) or 'die Nordseite eines Berges' (the north side of a mountain).
EXAMPLE
Der Eingang befindet sich an der Nordseite des Gebäudes.
The entrance is located on the north side of the building.
Compare with
antonym
Nordseite vs Südseite
south side
'die Südseite' and 'die Nordseite' refer to two opposite sides of a house, mountain, or area. The south side faces south, and the north side faces north. With buildings, the south side is often brighter and sunnier, while the north side may be cooler or shadier. The important point is: both words describe the direction of a side, but in exactly opposite directions.
Nordseite
An der Nordseite des Berges liegt im Frühling noch Schnee.
On the north side of the mountain, there is still snow in spring.
Südseite
Auf der Südseite des Hauses wachsen die Tomaten besonders gut.
The tomatoes grow especially well on the south side of the house.