das Tor
gate
A large, movable opening in a wall, fence, or building that serves as an entrance or passageway.
EXAMPLE
Das schwere Eisentor des Schlosses wird nachts geschlossen.
The castle's heavy iron gate is closed at night.
das Tor
gate / goal
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Meanings
das Tor
goal
In many sports, the score made when the ball or puck is sent into the opposing goal, counting as a point.
EXAMPLE
In der letzten Spielminute schoss sie das entscheidende Tor.
In the last minute of the game, she scored the decisive goal.
das Tor
goal
The structure made of posts and a crossbar that must be hit or entered in certain sports in order to score a point.
EXAMPLE
Der Ball flog knapp am Tor vorbei.
The ball flew just past the goal.
das Tor
gateway
In a figurative sense, an access point or beginning to something new or different.
EXAMPLE
Diese Erfindung war das Tor zu einem neuen technologischen Zeitalter.
This invention was the gateway to a new technological age.
Usage tips
Careful: article changes meaning
The word 'Tor' has a different meaning depending on the article. 'Das Tor' (neuter) is an entrance or a goal in sports. 'Der Tor' (masculine) is an outdated, literary term for a fool or idiot.
EXAMPLE
Das große Tor der Burg war verschlossen.
The large gate of the castle was locked.
Typical verbs (entrance)
When 'Tor' means an entrance, it is often combined with verbs of movement or action. Typical phrases are: 'ein Tor öffnen' (to open a gate), 'ein Tor schließen' (to close a gate), or 'durch ein Tor gehen' (to go through a gate).
EXAMPLE
Der Bus fuhr durch das offene Tor auf den Hof.
The bus drove through the open gate into the courtyard.
Context clue in sports
In a sports context, the verb helps you understand what is meant. 'Ein Tor schießen' (to score a goal) means to score a point. 'Auf das Tor schießen' (to shoot at the goal) or 'im Tor stehen' (to be in goal) refers to the physical goal structure.
EXAMPLE
Die Stürmerin hat ein fantastisches Tor geschossen.
The striker scored a fantastic goal.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning 'access to something', 'Tor' is often used with the preposition 'zu' (to). It describes the beginning of something new or big.
EXAMPLE
Ein gutes Studium kann das Tor zu einer erfolgreichen Karriere sein.
A good degree can be the gateway to a successful career.
Compare with
Tor vs Tür
door
Tür and Tor both close off an opening and allow passage through it. A Tür is usually for people and of a more ordinary size, whereas a Tor typically closes a large opening in a building, fence, or wall. However, the distinction is not always clear-cut.
Tor
Sie öffnete das große Tor der Garage und fuhr mit dem Auto hinein.
She opened the large garage gate and drove in.
Tür
Sie öffnete die kleine Tür der Garage und ging hinein.
She opened the small garage door and went inside.
In real life
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