die Umgebung
Translation
surroundings, environment, vicinity, area
Examples
Die Umgebung der Stadt ist sehr schön.
The city's surroundings are very beautiful.
Er wuchs in einer ländlichen Umgebung auf.
He grew up in a rural environment.
In der näheren Umgebung gibt es viele Geschäfte.
There are many shops in the immediate vicinity.
Grammar Patterns
the surroundings (nominative) Die Umgebung ist ruhig.
of the surroundings (genitive) die Schönheit der Umgebung
in the surroundings (dative context) In der Umgebung gibt es einen Park.
the surroundings (accusative) Ich erkunde die Umgebung.
Similar Words
das Umfeld (environment, milieu), die Gegend (area); Antonym: das Zentrum (the center)
Etymology
From the verb 'umgeben' (to surround), which comes from 'um' (around) + 'geben' (to give). Literally, that which is 'given around' something.
Memory Tips
Think of the area that is 'around' ('um') you. It's what 'surrounds' you.