Architecture - Architektur

Building architecture - Gebäudearchitektur

Architecture - Architektur

Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other physical structures. In this module, we'll explore architectural terms and concepts in both English and German to help you understand and describe various aspects of architecture.

Introduction

Architecture is more than just building. It involves planning, designing, and constructing spaces that reflect functional, technical, social, environmental, and aesthetic considerations. It requires the creative manipulation and coordination of material, technology, light, and shadow. Architects often involve themselves in the design of both the built environment and the spaces between buildings, and their works are often perceived as cultural symbols and works of art.

Today, we will learn about different types of buildings and architectural styles, and familiarize ourselves with both their English and German vocabulary.

Vocabulary Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Easy

Was ist das deutsche Wort für "skyscraper"? (Wolkenkratzer) (!Hochhaus) (!Turm) (!Bürogebäude)

Wie sagt man "castle" auf Deutsch? (Schloss) (!Festung) (!Palast) (!Villa)

Wähle das deutsche Wort für "bridge". (Brücke) (!Damm) (!Weg) (!Tunnel)

Was ist das englische Wort für "Fachwerkhaus"? (Timber-framed house) (!Brick house) (!Stone house) (!Glass house)

Wie sagt man "museum" auf Deutsch? (Museum) (!Galerie) (!Ausstellungshalle) (!Bibliothek)

Intermediate

What is "Bauhaus" known for? (architectural style) (!painting technique) (!sculpture method) (!musical genre)

Welche Struktur beschreibt "cantilever" am besten? (free projecting beam) (!supported beam) (!arched structure) (!suspended cable)

What type of building is a "Wohnblock"? (apartment building) (!office building) (!school building) (!shopping mall)

Welches Material wird oft in "Fachwerkhäusern" verwendet? (timber and plaster) (!concrete and glass) (!steel and bricks) (!bamboo and mud)

What is a "Stahlkonstruktion" typically used for? (steel construction) (!wood construction) (!stone construction) (!concrete construction)

Hard

Which architectural term describes "the outward appearance of a building"? (façade) (!foundation) (!atrium) (!mezzanine)

What does "sustainable architecture" aim to minimize? (environmental impact) (!construction speed) (!cost) (!design complexity)

What is the term for "a building's internal load-bearing framework"? (structure) (!envelope) (!facade) (!partition)

Which style is characterized by intricate decorations and complex structures? (Baroque) (!Minimalism) (!Modernism) (!Brutalism)

What is "urban planning" concerned with? (the design of public spaces and infrastructure) (!interior design) (!gardening) (!historical preservation)

Memory

Here are some matching games to help reinforce the architectural terms we've learned. Match the German term on the left with its English counterpart on the right.

Easy

Wolkenkratzer	skyscraper
Brücke	bridge
Schloss	castle

Intermediate

Fachwerkhaus	timber-framed house
Museum	museum
Bauhaus	architectural style
Wohnblock	apartment building
Stahlkonstruktion	steel construction

Hard

Fassade	facade
Nachhaltige Architektur	sustainable architecture
Struktur	structure
Barock	Baroque
Städteplanung	urban planning
Architekturstil	architectural style
Tragwerk	load-bearing framework

Crossword Puzzle

This bilingual crossword puzzle will test your knowledge of architectural terms. Fill in the English term based on the German clue.

facade	Was ist "die äußere Erscheinung eines Gebäudes" auf Englisch?
beam	Welches deutsche Wort für "Träger"?
arch	Was bedeutet "Bogen" auf Englisch?
column	Welches ist ein deutsches Wort für "Säule"?
tower	Was ist der englische Begriff für "Turm"?
concrete	Welches Material wird mit "Beton" übersetzt?
glass	Was bedeutet "Glas" auf Englisch?
urban	Wie übersetzt man "städtisch"?