seitlich
lateral / sideways
Describes a position or direction that is located at the side of something, comes from the side, or goes to the side.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto hat einen seitlichen Kratzer an der Tür.
The car has a lateral scratch on the door.
seitlich
lateral / sideways
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'seitlich' (lateral/sideways) is derived from the noun 'die Seite' (the side). The ending '-lich' turns it into an adjective meaning 'like a side' or 'belonging to the side'.
EXAMPLE
Das Haus hat einen praktischen seitlichen Eingang direkt in die Küche.
The house has a practical side entrance directly into the kitchen.
Adjective or adverb
'Seitlich' can stand before a noun as an adjective or describe an action as an adverb. As an adjective, it is declined; as an adverb, it remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Der seitliche Airbag hat bei dem Unfall ausgelöst.
The side airbag deployed in the accident.
Typical collocations
'Seitlich' is often used to describe positions or movements in space. Common combinations are 'der seitliche Abstand' (the lateral distance), 'ein seitlicher Blick' (a sideways glance), 'seitlich einparken' (to park sideways), or 'sich seitlich hinlegen' (to lie down on one's side).
EXAMPLE
Beim Einparken musst du den seitlichen Abstand zum anderen Auto beachten.
When parking, you have to pay attention to the lateral distance from the other car.
Compare with
seitlich vs neben
next to / besides
Neben and seitlich can both describe the position at the side of an object. Neben primarily indicates direct proximity, while seitlich emphasizes a position in the side area or an orientation from the side. Use neben for simple proximity and seitlich for a more precise position to the side.
seitlich
Die Lampe steht seitlich vom Sofa.
The lamp is positioned to the side of the sofa.
neben
Die Lampe steht neben dem Sofa.
The lamp is next to the sofa.
In real life
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