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Hinterhof
/ˈhɪntɐˌhoːf/
backyard
Die Kinder spielen im Hinterhof.
The children are playing in the backyard.
informal
An enclosed area behind a building, often used for storage, laundry, or recreation.
Im Sommer grillt die ganze Nachbarschaft im Hinterhof.
In the summer, the whole neighborhood grills in the backyard.
Sie trocknet die Wäsche im Hinterhof auf.
She hangs the laundry out to dry in the backyard.
In urban settings, Hinterhöfe can be narrow and shared among multiple buildings.
Collocations
im Hinterhofin the backyardHinterhofkinobackyard cinema
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Urban Context
In cities like Berlin or Vienna, 'Hinterhof' often refers to a shared courtyard behind an apartment building, sometimes with green spaces or communal areas.
Gold Rule
Noun Capitalization
In German, 'Hinterhof' is always capitalized as it is a noun.
Word Origin
Compound of 'hinter' (behind) and 'Hof' (yard/courtyard), first attested in the 18th century.
Usage Notes
Common in German-speaking countries, especially in cities where buildings often have enclosed rear areas. Not to be confused with 'Garten' (garden), which is typically larger and more cultivated.
Word Breakdown
hinter
behind
prefixHof
yard/courtyard
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch