das  Hinterland

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɪntɐˌlant/

🌍 What does "das Hinterland" mean?

Das Hinterland generally refers to an area that lies behind (hinter) a coast, a riverbank, or a border. It is often used for rural areas far from major cities or centers, sometimes implying they are less developed.

• Geographically: The area away from the coast or a major transport route (e.g., river). Example: Das Hinterland der Adriaküste (The hinterland of the Adriatic coast).
• Figuratively/Socio-economically: A region considered remote, rural, or structurally weak compared to a center (e.g., a metropolis). Example: Viele junge Menschen ziehen vom Hinterland in die Städte (Many young people move from the hinterland to the cities).

It is almost always neuter (sächlich) and used with the article das.

🧐 Grammar of "das Hinterland" in Detail

"Das Hinterland" is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is mostly used in the singular. The plural "die Hinterländer" is rare and often refers to multiple such areas or sometimes their inhabitants.

Declension Singular (Einzahl)

Declension Plural (Mehrzahl) - rare

💡 Example Sentences

1. Wir machten einen Ausflug ins Hinterland der Provence.
   (We took a trip to the hinterland of Provence.)
2. Die Infrastruktur im Hinterland ist oft weniger ausgebaut.
   (The infrastructure in the hinterland is often less developed.)
3. Das wirtschaftliche Hinterland des Hafens erstreckt sich weit ins Landesinnere.
   (The economic hinterland of the port extends far inland.)
4. Manche sehen das ländliche Hinterland als rückständig an, andere schätzen die Ruhe.
   (Some consider the rural hinterland backward, while others appreciate the tranquility.)

🗺️ When to use "das Hinterland"?

"Das Hinterland" is mainly used in geographical and socio-economic contexts:

• Geography & Travel: Describing regions not directly on the coast, a major river, or a main transport route. It often implies a certain distance from centers. Example: "Das bergige Hinterland bot atemberaubende Ausblicke." (The mountainous hinterland offered breathtaking views.)
• Economy & Planning: Referring to the catchment area, e.g., of a port or a city, that is economically dependent on or supplies this center. Example: "Der Hafen versorgt sein gesamtes Hinterland mit Waren." (The port supplies its entire hinterland with goods.)
• Social & Cultural: Sometimes used with a slightly negative connotation to emphasize remoteness, lack of infrastructure, or cultural differences from the city (“the provinces”). However, it can also stand positively for tranquility and nature. Example: "Er zog aus der hektischen Stadt ins ruhige Hinterland." (He moved from the hectic city to the quiet hinterland.)

Distinction: Not to be confused with "Umland", which denotes the immediate surroundings of a city. The "Hinterland" is usually further away and more extensive.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Hinterland"

For the article: Think of das Land (the country/land). The area behind (hinter) the (coastal) land is das Hinterland. The gender stays the same!

For the meaning: Imagine standing on the coast looking inland. The land that lies behind you (hinter dir) is the Hinterland – often further away and more rural.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: "Umland" (surrounding area) is not a direct opposite but refers to the closer vicinity of a city, whereas "Hinterland" is broader.

😂 A little joke

Warum haben die Kühe im Hinterland so gute Laune?

(Why are the cows in the hinterland in such a good mood?)

Weil sie nicht ständig von Touristen fotografiert werden und endlich mal ihre Ruhe haben! 🐮📸➡️😌

(Because they aren't constantly being photographed by tourists and finally have some peace and quiet!)

📜 Poem about the Hinterland

Wo die Straßen schmaler werden,
(Where the roads become narrower,)
und die Welt sich langsamer dreht,
(and the world turns more slowly,)
liegt das Land, fern von Beschwerden,
(lies the land, far from troubles,)
wo der Wind durch Wälder weht.
(where the wind blows through forests.)

Das Hinterland, so still und weit,
(The hinterland, so quiet and vast,)
mit Hügeln grün und klarer Luft,
(with green hills and clear air,)
verborgen vor der lauten Zeit,
(hidden from the noisy times,)
ein Ort, der leise nach dir ruft.
(a place that softly calls to you.)

❓ Riddle

Ich liege fern vom Meer und Strand,
(I lie far from sea and beach,)
bin oft ein stilles, weites Land.
(am often a quiet, wide land.)
Große Städte sind mir fern,
(Big cities are far from me,)
man nennt mich manchmal „ab vom Kern“. (I'm sometimes called 'off the core'.)

Was bin ich? / (What am I?)

Lösung / Solution: Das Hinterland

🧩 Other Info about the Word

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

"Das Hinterland" is a compound noun made up of:

• hinter: preposition/adverb indicating a position 'behind' or 'rearward'.
• das Land: noun meaning area, territory, country, or land.

Together, they form the meaning "the land behind".

International Usage:

Interestingly, the German word "Hinterland" has been directly adopted into English and several other languages, often with the same or a very similar meaning.