01
die Position
position
The place or location where someone or something is.
example
Das Schiff sendete seine genaue Position an die Küstenwache.
The ship sent its exact position to the coast guard.
die Position
position
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Position' (position) is the basis for the verb 'positionieren' (to position something in a specific place) and the adjective 'positioniert' (positioned). If you know 'Position' (position), you can also understand these related words more easily.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich klar gegen den Vorschlag positioniert.
He clearly positioned himself against the proposal.
Context clue
You can almost always recognize the exact meaning of 'Position' (position) from the context. Words like 'Firma' (company) or 'Abteilungsleiter' (department head) point to a job, while 'Meinung' (opinion) or 'Debatte' (debate) refer to a viewpoint.
EXAMPLE
In der politischen Debatte vertrat sie eine klare Position.
In the political debate, she represented a clear position.
Typical collocations
In a professional context, 'Position' (position) is often used with verbs such as 'annehmen' (to accept), 'bekommen' (to get), 'innehaben' (to hold), or 'sich bewerben auf' (to apply for). Typical adjectives are 'leitend' (managerial) or 'führend' (leading).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich auf eine leitende Position beworben.
She applied for a managerial position.
Fixed expression
To express an opinion, people often use the fixed expression 'eine Position beziehen' (to take a position). Other typical verbs in this context are 'vertreten' (to represent/advocate) or 'verteidigen' (to defend).
EXAMPLE
In dieser Frage möchte ich noch keine Position beziehen.
I don't want to take a position on this issue yet.
Typical verbs
When referring to body posture, 'Position' (position) is very often combined with the verb 'einnehmen' (to assume). 'Halten' (to hold) or 'wechseln' (to change) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Bitte nehmen Sie für die nächste Übung eine sitzende Position ein.
Please assume a seated position for the next exercise.
Compare with
Position vs Platz
place / space
'Platz' and 'Position' can both mean a place or a rank. 'Platz' sounds more natural in everyday language when talking about a seat, a free place, or a ranking in a competition. 'Position' is often more precise or more formal: it can mean the exact location of something, a professional role, or a body posture. Learners confuse these words because both can be connected with 'wo?' (where?) or 'welcher Rang?' (which rank?). For seats and competitions, people usually say 'Platz'. For exact location, work, or body posture, 'Position' fits better.
Position
Die Position des Regals ist ungünstig, weil die Tür nicht ganz aufgeht.
The position of the shelf is inconvenient because the door does not open all the way.
Platz
Beim Lauf hat Mehmet den zweiten Platz erreicht.
Mehmet achieved second place in the race.
In real life
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