das Tal
valley
A low-lying area between mountains or hills, often with a river flowing through it.
EXAMPLE
Von der Bergspitze aus hatten wir einen wunderschönen Blick ins Tal.
From the mountain peak, we had a beautiful view into the valley.
das Tal
valley
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Meanings
das Tal
low point
In a figurative sense, a low point or a phase of difficulty, sadness, or poor performance.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Trennung durchschritt sie ein tiefes emotionales Tal.
After the breakup, she went through a deep emotional valley.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Tal' (valley) from context. If people are talking about geography, mountains, or rivers, the literal meaning is intended. If people are talking about feelings, performance, or a crisis, the figurative meaning of a low point is intended.
EXAMPLE
Wir wanderten durch ein wunderschönes Tal in den Alpen.
We hiked through a beautiful valley in the Alps.
Prepositions: place and direction
Pay attention to the case with prepositions. 'Im Tal' (in the valley, dative) describes a location. 'Ins Tal' (into/down into the valley, accusative) describes movement toward it.
EXAMPLE
Unser Hotel liegt direkt im Tal.
Our hotel is located right in the valley.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Tal' (valley/low point) is often combined with verbs that describe a phase. Typical phrases are 'ein Tal durchschreiten' (to go through a valley), 'in ein Tal geraten' (to fall into a low point), or 'aus einem Tal herauskommen' (to come out of a low point).
EXAMPLE
Mit der Unterstützung seiner Freunde kam er langsam wieder aus seinem emotionalen Tal heraus.
With the support of his friends, he slowly came out of his emotional valley.
Compare with
Tal vs Valley
valley
Tal is the usual German word for a low-lying area between mountains or hills. Valley is used in German almost exclusively as part of, or as a shortened form of, a proper name. For a general description of a landscape, Tal is therefore the appropriate choice.
Tal
Auf der Karte ist ein tiefes Tal zwischen den Bergen eingezeichnet.
A deep valley is marked on the map between the mountains.
Valley
Auf der Karte ist das Death Valley in Kalifornien eingezeichnet.
Death Valley in California is marked on the map.
In real life
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