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 Fries
frieze / frieze cloth
Both words refer to horizontal elements on a facade. A Fries is primarily a flat, often decorated ornamental band, whereas a Sims projects noticeably from the facade. If the description fits an ornamental strip, use „Fries“; for a projecting structural element, use „Sims“.
Sims
Unter dem Dach ragt ein breiter Sims aus der Fassade hervor.
A broad ledge projects from the facade beneath the roof.
Fries
Unter dem Dach verläuft ein bemalter Fries mit Bildern aus der Stadtgeschichte.
A painted frieze depicting scenes from the city's history runs beneath the roof.
In real life
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