der  Anlieger

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanliːɡɐ/

🧐 What exactly is an Anlieger?

An Anlieger (masculine, article: der) is a person who lives on a particular street or whose property adjoins it. In English, this often translates to resident, adjacent property owner, or simply local resident depending on context. The term is frequently used in connection with traffic regulations, especially signs like „Anlieger frei“, which indicate that only residents or property owners (and often their visitors or suppliers) are allowed to use the road.

The feminine form is die Anliegerin.

It refers to someone whose property or dwelling 'anliegt' (borders on) the location in question.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of 'der Anlieger' in Detail

The noun „Anlieger“ is masculine and follows the so-called n-declension (also known as weak declension). This means it adds an „-n“ ending in all cases except the nominative singular. However, the genitive singular exceptionally adds an 's'.

Example Sentences

1. Die Zufahrt ist nur für Anlieger gestattet.
   Access is permitted for residents/adjacent owners only.
2. Als Anlieger beschwerte er sich über den Lärm.
   As a resident, he complained about the noise.
3. Die Polizei kontrollierte, ob die Fahrer tatsächlich Anlieger waren.
   The police checked if the drivers were actually residents/people with legitimate business there.
4. Das Recht des Anliegers wurde berücksichtigt.
   The right of the adjacent property owner was taken into account.
5. Wir sprachen mit den Anliegern über die neue Baustelle.
   We spoke with the residents about the new construction site.

🚦 When and How to Use 'Anlieger'?

The term „Anlieger“ is mainly used in two contexts:

1. Traffic Law: The most famous example is the traffic sign „Anlieger frei“ (literally 'residents free', meaning 'access for residents only'). It indicates that passage or parking is only allowed for people who live there, own property there, or are visiting someone who lives or owns property there. The term has a specific legal definition in this context.
2. Neighborly/Administrative Context: One also speaks of Anlieger in connection with construction measures, noise protection, or other issues affecting direct residents or property owners. For example: „Die Anlieger wurden über die geplante Straßensanierung informiert“ (The residents were informed about the planned road renovation).

In everyday language, „Anwohner“ (resident) or „Nachbar“ (neighbor) are often more common when the specific legal or administrative reference is not paramount. „Anlieger“ sounds a bit more formal and is more frequently used in official communications or in connection with regulations.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (der): Think of der Mann (the man) who lives nearby. An Anlieger is often a person (generically male in older grammar), and many German nouns for people are masculine.

For the meaning: The word consists of „an“ (on, at, next to) and „liegen“ (to lie). An Anlieger is someone whose property lies next to the street. They 'lie alongside' it.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Don't confuse with:

• Mieter: Rents the property; is often an Anlieger, but the term focuses on the rental agreement. (Tenant)
• Eigentümer: Owns the property; is often an Anlieger, but the term focuses on ownership. (Owner)

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Tourist einen Polizisten vor einem „Anlieger frei“-Schild: „Entschuldigen Sie, ich möchte zu meinem Freund Peter Müller in dieser Straße. Bin ich jetzt ein Anlieger?“

Sagt der Polizist: „Haben Sie etwas für ihn dabei?“

„Ja, eine Flasche Wein.“

„Dann sind Sie ein Anlieferer, das passt auch!“ 😉

--- Translation ---

A tourist asks a police officer in front of an 'Access for Residents Only' sign: "Excuse me, I want to visit my friend Peter Müller on this street. Am I an 'Anlieger' now?"

The officer says: "Do you have something for him?"

"Yes, a bottle of wine."

"Then you're an 'Anlieferer' (deliverer), that fits too!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Anlieger

Der Anlieger

Am Rande der Straße, ganz nah,
wohnt der Anlieger, ist immer da.
Sein Grund, der grenzt direkt hier an,
ob Frau er ist, ob Kind, ob Mann.

Das Schild „Anlieger frei“, es spricht:
„Nur wer hier wohnt, sonst darfst du nicht!“
Er kennt den Weg, den Lärm, das Licht,
der Anlieger, ein bekannt Gesicht.

--- Translation ---

The Resident

At the edge of the road, so near,
lives the resident, is always here.
His land, it borders right along,
be it woman, child, or man so strong.

The sign 'Residents Only', it states:
"Only those who live here pass the gates!"
He knows the path, the noise, the light,
the resident, a familiar sight.

🧩 Who am I? A Riddle

Ich wohne hier, mein Haus steht nah,
an dieser Straße, wunderbar.
Ein Schild erlaubt mir hier die Fahrt,
bin ich nicht fremd an diesem Ort.

Wer bin ich?

--- Translation & Answer ---

I live here, my house stands near,
on this street, wonderfully clear.
A sign allows me passage right,
I'm not a stranger in this site.

Who am I? (Answer: der Anlieger / the resident/adjacent owner)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word „Anlieger“ derives from the verb „anliegen“. „Anliegen“ means 'to adjoin', 'to be adjacent', or also 'to have a concern/request' (ein Anliegen haben). In the context of „Anlieger“, the meaning 'to adjoin' is relevant.

Legal Relevance:

The term is particularly relevant in the German Road Traffic Regulations (Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung, StVO) (Sign 250 with additional sign 1020-30 „Anlieger frei“). Who exactly counts as an Anlieger (e.g., including visitors, delivery services) can be subject to detailed legal interpretation, but typically includes anyone who needs or wants to access a property on the street.