das Ufer
bank / shore
The strip of land directly bordering a body of water such as a river, a lake, or the sea.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielen am Ufer des Flusses.
The children are playing on the bank of the river.
das Ufer
bank / shore
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Meanings
zu neuen Ufern aufbrechen
to set off for new shores
An idiom that means to begin something new, face new challenges, or start a new chapter in life.
EXAMPLE
Nach ihrem Studium beschloss sie, beruflich zu neuen Ufern aufzubrechen und ins Ausland zu gehen.
After her studies, she decided to set off for new shores professionally and go abroad.
Usage tips
Correct preposition
With 'Ufer' (bank / shore), the preposition is important for distinguishing between location and direction. 'Am Ufer' (on/at the bank, with dative) describes a position. 'Ans Ufer' (to the bank, with accusative) describes movement toward it.
EXAMPLE
Wir saßen am Ufer und schauten den Schiffen zu.
We sat on the bank and watched the ships.
Left and right bank
With rivers, a distinction is often made between the 'linkes Ufer' (left bank) and the 'rechtes Ufer' (right bank). The perspective is always in the direction in which the water flows.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum befindet sich am linken Ufer der Seine.
The museum is located on the left bank of the Seine.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'zu neuen Ufern aufbrechen' (to set off for new shores) is used figuratively. It means that someone is beginning a new chapter in life, for example professionally or personally.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Abschluss seines Studiums ist er zu neuen Ufern aufgebrochen.
After completing his studies, he set off for new shores.
Compare with
Ufer vs Strand
beach
Ufer is any strip of land directly beside a body of water and can be steep or covered with vegetation, for example. Strand is more specific: it is usually flat and often consists of sand or gravel. So every Strand is a type of Uferbereich, but not every Ufer is a Strand.
Ufer
Die Kinder beobachten vom steilen, bewachsenen Ufer aus den See.
The children are watching the lake from its steep, overgrown bank.
Strand
Die Kinder spielen am flachen Sandstrand des Sees.
The children are playing on the lake’s flat, sandy beach.
In real life
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