01
der Rand
edge / margin
The outer edge, boundary, or end of a surface or object.
example
Bitte schreibe nicht über den Rand des Blattes.
Please don't write beyond the margin of the page.
der Rand
edge / margin
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Compound words
'Rand' (edge / margin) is a common component of compound words. It always refers to the outer zone of something, for example in 'Stadtrand' (outskirts of town), 'Waldrand' (edge of the forest), or 'Randnotiz' (side note / marginal note).
EXAMPLE
Wir wohnen in einem ruhigen Haus am Stadtrand.
We live in a quiet house on the outskirts of town.
Prepositions and cases
Pay attention to the case after the preposition: 'am Rand' (at/on the edge, dative) describes a position, while 'an den Rand' (to the edge, accusative) expresses movement toward it.
EXAMPLE
Das Glas steht gefährlich nah am Rand des Tisches.
The glass is standing dangerously close to the edge of the table.
Fixed expression
The figurative meaning 'Peripherie' (periphery) is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'am Rand der Gesellschaft' (on the margins of society). It describes people in an outsider position.
EXAMPLE
Soziale Projekte helfen Menschen am Rand der Gesellschaft.
Social projects help people on the margins of society.
Adverbial use
The expression 'am Rande' (in passing / as a side note) functions like an adverb and means 'nebenbei' (by the way) or 'nicht als Hauptpunkt' (not as the main point). It often stands in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte nur am Rande bemerken, dass wir im Zeitplan zurückliegen.
I would just like to note in passing that we are behind schedule.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'außer Rand und Band sein' (to be completely out of control) is a fixed unit. It describes wild, unrestrained, and often loud behavior, usually by a group.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder waren auf dem Fest völlig außer Rand und Band.
The children were completely out of control at the festival.
Compare with
Rand vs Ende
end
'das Ende' and 'der Rand' can both refer to an outer boundary. 'das Ende' fits especially when something has a direction or length, for example a street, a rope, or a path. 'der Rand' more often means the outer edge of a surface or object, for example on a table, plate, or sheet of paper. They can be confused because both are on the outside. As a guide: with a path, you are more likely to say 'am Ende' (at the end); with a surface, 'am Rand' (at the edge).
Rand
Bitte stell die Tasse nicht so nah an den Rand des Tisches.
Please don't put the cup so close to the edge of the table.
Ende
Am Ende der Straße steht eine kleine Bäckerei.
There is a small bakery at the end of the street.
In real life
Loading video examples...