In German
Osten
Meaning: east
Example sentences
DieSonnegehtimOstenauf.
The sun rises in the east.
DresdenliegtimOstenDeutschlands.
Dresden is in the east of Germany.
Grammar note
“Der Osten” is masculine. “In the east” uses the contracted “im” (“in dem”): “im Osten”. Historically, “der Osten” also refers to the former East Germany (GDR) in a political sense.
Common mistake
Don't say “in Osten” — like other fixed locations, German contracts to “im Osten”, never the uncontracted form.
Quick check
Which German word means “east”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Does “Osten” have a historical meaning too?
Yes — “der Osten” is also used to refer to former East Germany (the GDR) in historical/political contexts.
How do you say “in the east”?
“Im Osten”.