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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
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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 Berg
mountain
'der Berg' and 'das Tal' form a clear contrast in the landscape. A mountain is high and rises above its surroundings. A valley lies lower down, often between mountains or hills. So you go up a mountain and down into a valley. The words are especially useful when talking about nature, hiking, maps, or travel.
Tal
Das Tal ist grün, und unten fließt ein kleiner Fluss.
The valley is green, and a small river flows below.
Berg
Am Morgen liegt der Berg noch im Nebel.
In the morning, the mountain is still covered in fog.
In real life
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