die Sackgasse
Translation
cul-de-sac, dead end, impasse
Examples
Wir wohnen in einer Sackgasse.
We live in a cul-de-sac.
Das Auto fuhr in eine Sackgasse.
The car drove into a dead end.
Die Verhandlungen sind in einer Sackgasse.
The negotiations are at a dead end.
Grammar Patterns
in+3 a cul-de-sac to be/live in a cul-de-sac We live in a cul-de-sac.
into+4 a cul-de-sac to drive into a cul-de-sac The car drove into a dead end.
in a dead end (figurative) to be at a dead end The negotiations are at a dead end.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Stichstraße; Figurative: Impasse, Stillstand (standstill).
Etymology
From 'Sack' (sack, bag) + 'Gasse' (alley). It describes a street shaped like a bag with only one opening. 'Sackgaß' is an older spelling.
Memory Tips
Visualize driving down an alley ('Gasse') that turns out to be a closed bag ('Sack') you can't exit from.