Rathausturm

town hall tower

noun RAHT-hows-toorm Rare

Usage Note

Rathausturm is the clock or bell tower that forms the focal point of many German medieval Rathäuser. Such towers served as symbols of civic pride and as watchtowers; today they are popular tourist viewpoints.

Examples

"Der Rathausturm von München zeigt die Stunden mit einem Glockenspiel an."

Natural Translation

Munich's town hall tower marks the hours with a carillon.

Literal Translation

The town hall tower of Munich shows the hours with a carillon.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Compound Words: How to Read Any Long Word

Read any long German word by working right-to-left: the last noun sets the meaning and gender, and the small linking letters are just glue. Here's the drill.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Du vs. Sie: When to Use Each in German

Use Sie with strangers, elders, and at work; use du with friends, family, kids, and peers. Here's how to pick the right German you every time.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Tipping in Germany: A Visitor's Etiquette Guide

Tipping in Germany means saying your total out loud, not leaving coins. Learn the exact phrases, how much to tip, and the Sie-vs-du etiquette travelers need.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Bitte in German: Please, You're Welcome, and More

Bitte means please, you're welcome, here you go, and pardon in German. Learn all the meanings, bitte schön vs bitte sehr, and the danke-bitte rule.

June 5, 2026 5 min read