der  Bezirk

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈtsɪʁk/

🗺️ What does "der Bezirk" mean?

Der Bezirk (noun, masculine) generally refers to a demarcated area or region. It is most commonly used in an administrative or geographical context.

• Administrative area: Often a part of a larger city (Stadtbezirk - city district) or a higher administrative level (Regierungsbezirk - government district, Landkreis - rural district). Example: Berlin ist in mehrere Bezirke unterteilt. (Berlin is divided into several districts.)
• Area of responsibility: An area for which a specific person or authority is responsible. Example: Der Bezirk des Schornsteinfegers. (The chimney sweep's district.)
• Area/Region: Less commonly used more generally for an area or zone. Example: In diesem Bezirk gibt es viele Seen. (There are many lakes in this area/district.)

🚨 The word only takes the masculine article der. There's no risk of confusion with other articles.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Bezirk

The word "Bezirk" is a masculine noun. It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Der Bürgermeister besuchte gestern unseren Bezirk.
   (The mayor visited our district yesterday.)
2. Die Verwaltung des Bezirks befindet sich im Rathaus.
   (The administration of the district is located in the town hall.)
3. In vielen Bezirken gibt es eigene Bürgerämter.
   (In many districts, there are separate citizens' registration offices.)
4. Die neuen Bezirke wurden auf der Karte markiert.
   (The new districts were marked on the map.)

🏢 Application & Context of "Bezirk"

"Der Bezirk" is primarily used in formal and administrative contexts. Here are typical use cases:

• City administration: Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Vienna are divided into Bezirke (Stadtbezirke - city districts), which often have their own administrations or councils. (e.g., Bezirk Mitte, Bezirk Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf)
• Regional administration: In some German federal states, there are Regierungsbezirke (government districts) as an intermediate administrative level between the state and the counties (Kreise). (e.g., Regierungsbezirk Oberbayern)
• Areas of jurisdiction: One also speaks of the Bezirk of a local court (Amtsgericht), a notary, a chimney sweep, etc., to describe their geographical area of operation.
• Colloquial use: Less often, Bezirk is used more generally for an area or neighborhood, often synonymous with Gegend (area) or Viertel (quarter), but this is less precise.

Comparison with similar words:

• Kreis/Landkreis: Another type of administrative unit, often more rural than a Stadtbezirk.
• Stadtteil/Viertel: Often more informal terms for parts of a city, which do not necessarily correspond to the official administrative boundaries of the Bezirke.
• Gebiet/Region: More general terms for an area, without a mandatory administrative reference.

💡 Memory Aids for "der Bezirk"

Mnemonic for the article (der):

Think of a district manager - der Manager - who is in charge of his area. The masculine association can help remember der Bezirk.

Mnemonic for the meaning (district/area):

A Bezirk sounds a bit like a marked circle ('Zirkel' is circle in German, though spelled differently) on a map. It's a defined circuit or area.

🔄 Word Relatives: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Watch out for similar words:

• Bereich: Can be similar (area, scope), but often less formal and not necessarily administrative.

😄 For a Laugh

Ein Tourist fragt den Polizisten: "Entschuldigen Sie, wie komme ich am schnellsten zum Bezirk Mitte?"

Antwortet der Polizist: "Am schnellsten? Indem Sie hier eine Bank überfallen!"

--- English Translation ---

A tourist asks a police officer: "Excuse me, what's the quickest way to get to the 'Mitte' district?"

The police officer replies: "The quickest way? By robbing a bank right here!"

✒️ Poetic Corner: Der Bezirk

In der Stadt, groß und weit,
ist alles schön aufgeteilt.
Der Bezirk, klar definiert,
wo Verwaltung funktioniert.
Mit Straßen, Häusern, klein und groß,
ist jeder Teil ein eigenes Los.
Mal ruhig, mal voller Leben,
kann ein Bezirk viel geben.

--- English Translation ---

In the city, large and wide,
everything's nicely divide(d).
The district, clearly defined,
where administration's assigned.
With streets and houses, small and grand,
each part a separate strand.
Sometimes quiet, sometimes full of life,
a district can overcome strife.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Teil von Stadt und Land,
von Verwaltungshand fest umspannt.
Hab Grenzen, oft ein eignes Amt,
bin klar auf Karten eingerahmt.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Der Bezirk

--- English Translation ---

I am a part of city and state,
Firmly embraced by administrative fate.
I have borders, often my own office site,
Clearly framed on maps, shining bright.

What am I?

Solution: The district (der Bezirk)

📚 More Info

Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "Bezirk" comes from the Middle Latin "circare" (to go around, delimit) or the Latin "circus" (circle). It originally denoted a bounded area or perimeter. The prefix "Be-" often intensifies the action or refers to an object.

Compound Words (Komposita)

"Bezirk" is part of many compound words:

• Stadtbezirk: A district within a city.
• Regierungsbezirk: A governmental administrative district in some German states.
• Amtsbezirk: The jurisdictional area of an office or authority.
• Wahlbezirk: An electoral district.
• Bezirkshauptmannschaft: (Austria) The administrative authority of a district.
• Bezirksamt: The district office/administration.