zwischen
between
Indicates a position in a place located in the middle of two or more things, people, or places.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto parkt genau zwischen dem Baum und der Laterne.
The car is parked exactly between the tree and the streetlamp.
zwischen
between
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Meanings
zwischen
between
Refers to a period of time bounded by a starting point and an ending point.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe zwischen 14 und 16 Uhr einen Termin.
I have an appointment between 2 and 4 p.m.
zwischen
between
Describes a relationship, connection, or interaction involving two or more people, groups, or things.
EXAMPLE
Die Chemie zwischen den beiden Kollegen stimmt einfach nicht.
The chemistry between the two colleagues just isn't right.
zwischen
between
Expresses a choice or alternative between two or more possibilities.
EXAMPLE
Du musst dich zwischen dem blauen und dem roten Kleid entscheiden.
You have to decide between the blue and the red dress.
zwischen
between
Indicates an approximate number or a range.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch kostet zwischen 20 und 25 Euro.
The book costs between 20 and 25 euros.
Usage tips
Two-way preposition
'Zwischen' (between) is a two-way preposition. It is used with the dative to describe a position (question: 'Wo?' — where?), and with the accusative to indicate a direction (question: 'Wohin?' — to where?).
EXAMPLE
Der Brief liegt auf dem Tisch zwischen den Büchern. (Dativ)
The letter is lying on the table between the books. (dative)
Word formation
The preposition 'zwischen' (between) is historically related to the number 'zwei' (two). This helps you understand that it always involves a relationship or position involving at least two elements.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt einen geheimen Weg zwischen den beiden Häusern.
There is a secret path between the two houses.
Usage pattern
Logically, 'zwischen' (between) always needs at least two reference points. These are often connected with 'und' (and), as in 'zwischen A und B' (between A and B), or they appear in the plural, as in 'zwischen den Bäumen' (between the trees).
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung liegt zwischen dir und mir.
The decision is between you and me.
Typical collocations
To describe a relationship, 'zwischen' (between) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Unterschied' (difference), 'Beziehung' (relationship), 'Gespräch' (conversation), 'Konflikt' (conflict), or 'Zusammenarbeit' (cooperation).
EXAMPLE
Der Unterschied zwischen Theorie und Praxis ist groß.
The difference between theory and practice is great.
Making a choice
When it is about a choice, 'zwischen' (between) often appears with verbs like 'wählen' (to choose), '(sich) entscheiden' (to decide), or 'schwanken' (to waver).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann mich nicht zwischen dem roten und dem blauen Hemd entscheiden.
I can't decide between the red and the blue shirt.
Indicating ranges
To indicate an approximate range, 'zwischen' (between) is used with numbers, prices, temperatures, or other units of measurement. It then means 'von ... bis ...' (from ... to ...).
EXAMPLE
Die Temperatur wird morgen zwischen 15 und 20 Grad liegen.
The temperature tomorrow will be between 15 and 20 degrees.
Compare with
zwischen vs oder
or
„Oder“ directly connects the stated options. „Zwischen“, on the other hand, introduces a phrase in which the options are usually connected with „und“. So you ask „Tee oder Kaffee“, but choose „zwischen Tee und Kaffee“.
zwischen
Du kannst zwischen Tee und Kaffee wählen.
You can choose between tea and coffee.
oder
Möchtest du Tee oder Kaffee?
Would you like tea or coffee?
In real life
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