das Territorium
territory
A defined geographical area, especially the sovereign territory of a state or ruler.
EXAMPLE
Die Armee drang in feindliches Territorium vor.
The army advanced into enemy territory.
das Territorium
territory
das Territorium, die Territorien
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Meanings
das Territorium
territory
In biology, an area that is defended by an animal or group of animals against members of the same species.
EXAMPLE
Der Wolf markiert sein Territorium, um Rivalen fernzuhalten.
The wolf marks its territory to keep rivals away.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Territorium, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Territorien |
| genitive | des Territoriums |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Territorium | die Territorien |
| accusative | das Territorium | die Territorien |
| dative | dem Territorium | den Territorien |
| genitive | des Territoriums | der Territorien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Territorium' (territory) from the context. If it is about politics, the military, or states, it means sovereign territory. If it is about animals and nature, it means an animal's territory.
EXAMPLE
Die Verhandlungen über das umstrittene Territorium dauerten Monate.
The negotiations over the disputed territory lasted for months.
Typical collocations
In political or military contexts, a territory is often 'beansprucht' (claimed), 'besetzt' (occupied), 'verteidigt' (defended), or 'erobert' (conquered). The combinations 'fremdes Territorium' (foreign territory) and 'feindliches Territorium' (enemy territory) are also common.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten mussten sich aus dem besetzten Territorium zurückziehen.
The soldiers had to withdraw from the occupied territory.
Biological context
In connection with animals, the verb 'markieren' (to mark) is often used with 'Territorium' (territory). Animals mark their territory in order to claim it and keep other animals away.
EXAMPLE
Der Bär markiert sein Territorium an den Bäumen.
The bear marks its territory on the trees.
Compare with
Territorium vs Gebiet
area / field
Gebiet and Territorium can both refer to a defined area. Gebiet is the general geographical term. Territorium, on the other hand, usually emphasizes that the area belongs to a state or ruler and is under their control.
Territorium
Auf der Karte ist das gesamte Territorium des Inselstaates grün markiert.
The island nation's entire territory is marked in green on the map.
Gebiet
Auf der Karte ist das bergige Gebiet im Norden grün markiert.
The mountainous area in the north is marked in green on the map.
In real life
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