die Grenze
Translation
border, boundary, limit
Examples
Wir überquerten die Grenze zu Fuß.
We crossed the border on foot.
Jede Geduld hat ihre Grenze.
All patience has its limit.
Die Grenze zwischen Freundschaft und Liebe ist schmal.
The line between friendship and love is thin.
Grammar Patterns
the border/boundary ((between sth.)) die Grenze zwischen+3 The border between the two countries is a river.
at the border ((to sth.)) an der Grenze zu+3 He lives at the border to Switzerland.
to set a limit ((for sth.)) eine Grenze für+4 setzen We have to set a limit for the expenses.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Schranke, Limit; Antonyms: Weite (expanse), Unendlichkeit (infinity).
Etymology
From Middle High German 'grenize', which comes from a Slavic source, cognate with Polish 'granica'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'green zone' that marks a boundary or limit. 'Grenze' sounds a bit like 'green-zuh'.