01
die Seite
page
One of the two surfaces of a flat object, especially a sheet of paper in a book, newspaper, or magazine.
example
Schlagen Sie bitte die Seite 42 im Buch auf.
Please open the book to page 42.
die Seite
page / side
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Important prepositions
The preposition changes depending on whether a position (Wo? — where?) or a direction (Wohin? — to where?) is being described. You are 'auf einer Seite' (on one side; dative), but you go 'zur Seite' (to the side) or put something 'auf die Seite' (to the side; accusative).
EXAMPLE
Die Toiletten finden Sie auf der rechten Seite.
You will find the restrooms on the right side.
Context clues
To distinguish the many meanings, pay attention to the context. Numbers and the word 'Buch' (book) point to a book page, 'Internet' to a web page, and 'Streit' (argument) to a party in a conflict.
EXAMPLE
Schlagen Sie bitte Seite 25 auf.
Please open to page 25.
Fixed expression with dative
The fixed expression 'jemandem zur Seite stehen' means to support a person. The person receiving the support is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
In dieser schweren Zeit stand ihm seine Familie fest zur Seite.
During this difficult time, his family stood firmly by him.
Typical verbs: book
In connection with books or documents, 'Seite' (page) is often used with the verbs 'aufschlagen' (to open), 'umblättern' (to turn the page), or 'lesen' (to read).
EXAMPLE
Er blätterte eine Seite um und las weiter.
He turned a page and kept reading.
Typical verbs: internet
When a web page is meant, typical verbs are 'besuchen' (to visit), 'aufrufen' (to open/access), or 'finden' (to find). The preposition 'auf' (on) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Auf dieser Seite können Sie sich für den Newsletter anmelden.
On this page, you can sign up for the newsletter.
Character traits
To describe an aspect of someone's personality, 'Seite' (side) is often combined with a possessive pronoun and an adjective. Typical examples are 'seine lustige Seite' (his funny side) or 'ihre ernste Seite' (her serious side).
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine sehr ehrgeizige Seite, die nicht jeder kennt.
He has a very ambitious side that not everyone knows about.
Compare with
Seite vs Partei
party / party to
'die Seite' and 'die Partei' can both refer to people or groups in a dispute, contract, or conflict. 'Seite' is more general here: you stand on someone's side, or one side has an opinion. 'Partei' is more specific when it is about a person or group involved in a legal dispute, contract, or conflict. In the phrase 'Partei ergreifen' (to take sides), it means something similar to: to place yourself on one side. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in conflicts. For a position in an argument, 'Seite' often sounds more natural; for official or legal participants, 'Partei' fits better.
Seite
In der Diskussion stellte sich Maria auf die Seite ihrer Schwester.
In the discussion, Maria took her sister's side.
Partei
Vor Gericht musste jede Partei ihre Unterlagen vorlegen.
In court, each party had to present its documents.
In real life
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