ringsum
all around
In all directions around a central point or thing; all around.
EXAMPLE
Ringsum das Haus wurde ein neuer Zaun gebaut.
A new fence was built all around the house.
ringsum
all around
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word 'ringsum' (all around) is made up of 'Rings' and 'um'. 'Rings' is an old genitive form of 'der Ring' (the ring), meaning 'in a circle'. Literally, then, it means 'in a circle around something'.
EXAMPLE
Ringsum das Lagerfeuer saßen die Kinder und sangen Lieder.
The children sat all around the campfire and sang songs.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'ringsum' (all around) can stand at the beginning of a sentence, which leads to inversion (verb in position 2). But it can also be placed after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Ringsum herrschte Stille.
All around, there was silence.
Typical use
'Ringsum' (all around) is often used to describe a landscape or the arrangement of objects. Typical verbs are 'liegen' (to lie), 'stehen' (to stand), or 'sich erstrecken' (to extend/stretch).
EXAMPLE
Das Tal war ringsum von hohen Bergen umgeben.
The valley was surrounded all around by high mountains.
Compare with
ringsum vs rundum
completely / all around
Rundum and ringsum both describe a spatial extent on all sides. Ringsum is more specifically limited to the area around a central point or thing and often sounds somewhat more formal. Rundum therefore also fits more general statements, while ringsum makes the spatial position especially clear.
ringsum
Ringsum den See stehen inzwischen viele neue Häuser.
Many new houses have now been built all around the lake.
rundum
Rundum den See stehen inzwischen viele neue Häuser.
Many new houses have now been built all around the lake.
In real life
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