01
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
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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
'Strand' and 'Ufer' both refer to land directly by a body of water. However, 'Strand' is usually used when the place is flat and made of sand or pebbles, often for swimming, walking, or lying down. 'Ufer' is more general: it can be along a river, lake, or the sea and does not have to be sandy. Learners can easily confuse the words because a 'Strand' is also located on the shore. In practical terms: by the sea with sand, 'Strand' sounds more natural; by a river or in a general description, 'Ufer' often fits better.
Ufer
Das Ufer des Flusses ist nach dem Regen sehr rutschig.
The riverbank is very slippery after the rain.
Strand
Am Nachmittag liegen viele Familien am Strand und schwimmen im Meer.
In the afternoon, many families lie on the beach and swim in the sea.
In real life
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