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 Quadrat
square
A square and a rectangle both have four right angles. A square additionally has four sides of equal length. Thus, a square also meets the stated property of a rectangle; Quadrat is the more precise term when the equal side lengths are important.
Rechteck
Die Figur mit vier rechten Winkeln und zwei langen sowie zwei kurzen Seiten ist ein Rechteck.
The shape with four right angles and two long and two short sides is a rectangle.
Quadrat
Die Figur mit vier rechten Winkeln und vier gleich langen Seiten ist ein Quadrat.
The shape with four right angles and four sides of equal length is a square.
In real life
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