zone
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zone
A defined area or region with a particular function or characteristic.
In der Innenstadt gibt es eine Fußgängerzone, in der keine Autos fahren dürfen.
In the city center, there is a pedestrian zone where cars are not allowed to drive.
The word 'Zone' is very frequently used as the second part of compound nouns. The first part then describes the specific function or characteristic of the area.
In der neuen Umweltzone dürfen nur noch Elektroautos fahren.
In the new environmental zone, only electric cars are allowed to drive now.
The term 'die Zone' (the Zone) for the former GDR is colloquial and is often perceived today as derogatory or distancing. In official or neutral contexts, this term is avoided.
Er erzählte, wie seine Familie damals aus der Zone in den Westen kam.
He told how his family came from the Zone to the West back then.
Common verbs used with 'Zone' in its general meaning are 'eine Zone einrichten' (to establish a zone), 'eine Zone ausweisen' (to designate a zone), or 'sich in einer Zone befinden' (to be located in a zone).
Die Stadt hat eine neue Tempo-30-Zone eingerichtet.
The city has established a new 30 km/h zone.
When geographical or climatic characteristics are being discussed, you can recognize this meaning from adjectives like 'gemäßigt' (temperate), 'tropisch' (tropical), or 'polar' (polar).
Die polare Zone ist durch extrem kalte Temperaturen gekennzeichnet.
The polar zone is characterized by extremely cold temperatures.
area / field
'Bereich' and 'Zone' can both mean a defined part of a place or area. 'Zone' puts more emphasis on the fact that this part has a special function, rule, or characteristic, for example a 'Parkzone' (parking zone) or a 'Ruhezone' (quiet zone). 'Bereich' is more general and more neutral; it can simply refer to a particular part. Learners confuse the words because both can have boundaries. When special rules or conditions are important, 'Zone' sounds more precise. When you are only talking generally about a part, 'Bereich' fits better.
Vor der Schule beginnt eine Zone mit Tempo 30.
A 30 km/h speed zone begins in front of the school.
Bitte stellen Sie die Fahrräder nur in diesem Bereich ab.
Please park the bicycles only in this area.