01
der Sims
ledge
A horizontal projection on a facade, often above windows and doors or below the roof. Another word for it is cornice.
example
Auf dem Sims über dem Fenster saß eine Taube.
A pigeon was sitting on the ledge above the window.
der Sims
ledge
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Meanings
Usage tips
False friend
'Der Sims' refers to a ledge on a building, often a window ledge. Do not confuse it with the world-famous video game 'The Sims', which in German is usually referred to as 'Die Sims' (plural).
EXAMPLE
Der alte Blumentopf auf dem Sims ist heruntergefallen.
The old flowerpot on the ledge fell down.
Correct preposition
When you describe that something is located on this projection, use the preposition 'auf' (on) with the dative. The question for this is 'Wo?' (Where?) – the answer is 'auf dem Sims' (on the ledge).
EXAMPLE
Im Frühling bauen die Vögel oft ein Nest auf dem Sims.
In spring, the birds often build a nest on the ledge.
Typical collocations
Common things found on a ledge are 'Blumentöpfe' (flowerpots), 'Tauben' (pigeons), or simply 'Staub' (dust). Typical verbs in this context are 'sitzen' (to sit), 'stehen' (to stand), or 'liegen' (to lie).
EXAMPLE
Bitte wisch den Staub vom Sims, wenn du die Fenster putzt.
Please wipe the dust off the ledge when you clean the windows.
Compare with
Sims vs Vorsprung
lead / advantage
„Vorsprung“ and „Sims“ can both describe a part that sticks out from a surface. „Vorsprung“ is the more general word: it can occur on a rock, a building, or another object. „Sims“ is more specific and usually means a horizontal projection on a building, for example above a window or under the roof. The words can be confused because a „Sims“ is always a kind of „Vorsprung“. But not every „Vorsprung“ is a „Sims“.
Sims
Auf dem Sims unter dem Fenster steht ein Topf mit Kräutern.
On the ledge under the window, there is a pot of herbs.
Vorsprung
An der Felswand fand der Kletterer einen kleinen Vorsprung für seinen Fuß.
On the rock face, the climber found a small ledge for his foot.
In real life
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