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die Westküste
west coast
The coastal strip of a country or continent that faces west.
example
Die Westküste von Dänemark ist für ihre langen Sandstrände bekannt.
The west coast of Denmark is known for its long sandy beaches.
die Westküste
west coast
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word is simply made up of the compass direction 'West' (west) and the noun 'Küste' (coast). This pattern is productive and also works with other compass directions, such as 'Ostküste' (east coast) or 'Südküste' (south coast).
EXAMPLE
Wir machen dieses Jahr Urlaub an der Ostküste.
We are going on vacation on the east coast this year.
Context clue
If a country or region is named, e.g. 'die Westküste von Irland' (the west coast of Ireland), the general meaning is intended. If 'die Westküste' (the West Coast) stands alone, in an international context it almost always means the West Coast of the USA.
EXAMPLE
Die Westküste Norwegens ist für ihre Fjorde berühmt.
The west coast of Norway is famous for its fjords.
Correct preposition
For places like 'Westküste' (west coast), the preposition 'an' is always used. For a position, use the dative ('an der Westküste' = on the west coast); for a direction, use the accusative ('an die Westküste' = to the west coast).
EXAMPLE
Sie lebt seit zehn Jahren an der Westküste.
She has lived on the West Coast for ten years.
Compare with
Westküste vs Ostküste
east coast
'die Ostküste' and 'die Westküste' both refer to coastal strips of a country or continent, but they are on different sides. 'die Ostküste' is in the east, while 'die Westküste' is in the west. You often hear both words especially when talking about the USA: the East Coast is associated, for example, with cities like New York, and the West Coast with California. They can be confused if you only think about 'Küste' (coast) and overlook the compass direction. So the key point is the direction: east or west.
Westküste
Jonas hat an der Westküste viele Surfer gesehen.
Jonas saw many surfers on the West Coast.
Ostküste
Im Sommer reist Maria an die Ostküste der USA.
In the summer, Maria is traveling to the East Coast of the USA.
In real life
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