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das Rechteck
rectangle
In geometry, a quadrilateral whose interior angles are all right angles (90 degrees).
example
Ein Blatt Papier hat normalerweise die Form eines Rechtecks.
A sheet of paper normally has the shape of a rectangle.
das Rechteck
rectangle
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'recht' (right) and 'Eck' (corner). 'Recht' refers to 'rechter Winkel' (right angle), and 'Eck' is an old form of 'Ecke' (corner). So a rectangle is a shape with right corners.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Quadrat ist auch ein Rechteck.
Every square is also a rectangle.
Word family
The word is directly related to the term 'der rechte Winkel' (the right angle, a 90-degree angle). This property—four right angles—gives the rectangle its name.
EXAMPLE
Ein Merkmal des Rechtecks sind seine vier rechten Winkel.
One feature of the rectangle is its four right angles.
Use in everyday life
Although 'Rechteck' (rectangle) is a geometric term, it is very often used to describe the shape of everyday things, such as doors, windows, books, or screens.
EXAMPLE
Der Tisch hat die Form eines großen Rechtecks.
The table has the shape of a large rectangle.
Compare with
Rechteck vs Dreieck
triangle
'das Dreieck' and 'das Rechteck' both belong to the basic geometric shapes. They can be confused when you are still learning the German names for shapes. A 'Dreieck' has three sides and three corners. A 'Rechteck' has four sides, and all its corners are right angles. In a rectangle, the sides do not all have to be the same length. In practical terms: three corners make a 'Dreieck'; four corners with right angles make a 'Rechteck'.
Rechteck
Die Familie legt ein großes Rechteck aus Decken auf die Wiese.
The family lays out a large rectangle made of blankets on the meadow.
Dreieck
Herr Wolf zeichnet ein Dreieck an die Tafel, weil er die Aufgabe erklären will.
Mr. Wolf draws a triangle on the board because he wants to explain the exercise.
In real life
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