der
Ortseingang
📍 What Exactly is an Ortseingang?
The German word Ortseingang refers to the point where a built-up area (town or village) begins. In Germany and some other countries, this point is often marked by a distinctive yellow sign (called Ortstafel or Ortsschild) displaying the name of the town. Entering the area past the Ortseingang usually implies specific traffic rules, most notably a default speed limit (typically 50 km/h in Germany unless otherwise signed).
The word is masculine, so the correct article is der Ortseingang.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ang → almost always masculine.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Ortseingang
The noun "Ortseingang" is masculine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Ortseingang |
| Genitive | des | Ortseingangs / Ortseinganges |
| Dative | dem | Ortseingang / Ortseingange |
| Accusative | den | Ortseingang |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ortseingänge |
| Genitive | der | Ortseingänge |
| Dative | den | Ortseingängen |
| Accusative | die | Ortseingänge |
Example Sentences
- Am Ortseingang steht ein neues Willkommensschild.
(There is a new welcome sign at the town entrance.) - Die Polizei kontrolliert häufig die Geschwindigkeit direkt nach dem Ortseingang.
(The police often check speeds right after the town entrance.) - Wir treffen uns am südlichen Ortseingang des Dorfes.
(We'll meet at the southern entrance to the village.) - Viele Städte gestalten ihre Ortseingänge mit Blumenbeeten.
(Many cities design their town entrances with flower beds.)
🚦 When and How to Use Ortseingang?
"Ortseingang" is mainly used in these contexts:
- Traffic and Navigation: To describe the point where a town begins, often related to traffic rules or directions. Example: "Fahren Sie bis zum Ortseingang und biegen Sie dann links ab." (Drive to the town entrance and then turn left.)
- Geographical Description: To define the start of a built-up area. Example: "Das Neubaugebiet liegt direkt am Ortseingang." (The new development area is located right at the town entrance.)
- Official Language: In regulations or infrastructure planning.
The opposite is der Ortsausgang, the point where the town or village ends.
⚠️ Don't confuse it with der Eingang, which refers to the entrance of a building.
🧠 Mnemonics to Help Remember
Article Mnemonic: Imagine a stately gentleman, maybe DER mayor, standing right at DER Ortseingang to greet everyone. He's DER boss at the entrance.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of Ortseingang as the 'entrance' (Eingang) to the 'place' or 'town' (Ort). It's quite literal!
🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Ortsausgang: (Town exit) The point where the town ends.
- Stadtausgang: (City exit) The end of a city.
- Dorfausgang: (Village exit) The end of a village.
Similar Words (Caution!)
- Einfahrt: (Driveway, entrance) Usually refers to the access to a property or garage, not an entire town.
😄 A Little Chuckle
Warum steht der Blitzer oft direkt hinter dem Ortseingang?
(Why is the speed camera often placed right after the town entrance sign?)
Damit er die Leute willkommen heißen kann – mit einem Foto!
(So it can welcome people – with a photo!)
📜 A Little Poem
Das Schild am Weg, so gelb und klar,
zeigt: Hier beginnt der Ort, wunderbar.
Der Ortseingang, ein erster Blick,
auf neues Land, auf neues Glück.
Das Tempo drosseln, langsam fahr'n,
willkommen heißend, Jahr um Jahr'n.
The sign on the road, so yellow and clear,
shows: Here begins the town, wonderful dear.
The Ortseingang, a first glance, you see,
at new land, at new glee.
Slow down the speed, drive slow and steady,
welcoming warmly, year after year already.
🤔 Who Am I? A Riddle
Ich habe einen Namen, doch kein Haus.
Ich markiere den Anfang, nicht den Schluss hinaus.
Ein gelbes Schild zeigt oft mein Gesicht,
ab hier gilt Tempo 50 – mehr nicht!
(I have a name, but no house.
I mark the beginning, not the end out.
A yellow sign often shows my face,
from here on, 50 is the pace!)
Who am I?
... Der Ortseingang (The town entrance)
💡 More Tidbits
Word Composition: The word "Ortseingang" is a compound noun, made up of:
- Ort (der Ort): meaning 'place', 'location', 'town', or 'village'.
- Eingang (der Eingang): meaning 'entrance'.
The Ortstafel: The typical yellow town sign at the Ortseingang in Germany is officially called "Ortstafel" (traffic sign number 310 in the German traffic code, StVO). It not only indicates the town's name but also signals the beginning of the built-up area (geschlossene Ortschaft) and the associated traffic regulations, like the default 50 km/h speed limit.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ortseingang?
The word "Ortseingang" is always masculine. The correct form is der Ortseingang (Genitive: des Ortseingangs, Plural: die Ortseingänge). It refers to the entrance or beginning of a town or village, often marked by a sign.