Learn Hardcore German: Die Entfernung zur Bibliothek ist kurz.

Entfernung is a feminine noun in German. In the nominative case (when it’s the subject of the sentence), all feminine nouns take the definite article die. Here, die Entfernung is the subject of ist kurz, so it needs die.

What does zur mean and why is it used here?

Zur is a contraction of zu + der. Zu means “to” and always takes the dative case. Since Bibliothek is feminine, die Bibliothek (nominative) becomes der Bibliothek (dative). Zu der Bibliothek is therefore written as zur Bibliothek.

Which case is Bibliothek in and how do we know that?

After the preposition zu, the following noun must be in the dative case. Because Bibliothek is feminine, its dative form is der Bibliothek. The contraction zu der becomes zur, so Bibliothek appears in the dative.

Why is kurz used instead of adjectives like klein or wenig?

Kurz means “short” when referring to a distance or duration. Klein means “small” (size), and wenig means “little” (quantity). To describe a distance as “not long,” German uses kurz, so die Entfernung ist kurz.

Could I say Der Weg zur Bibliothek ist kurz instead?

Yes, you can. Der Weg (“the way” or “route”) emphasizes the path you take, while die Entfernung highlights the length of the distance itself. Both sentences are correct, but Der Weg zur Bibliothek ist kurz focuses on the route, and Die Entfernung zur Bibliothek ist kurz focuses on the distance.

What’s the difference between saying Die Bibliothek ist nah and the original sentence?

Die Bibliothek ist nah simply states “The library is near.” It’s more colloquial and slightly less precise. Die Entfernung zur Bibliothek ist kurz explicitly comments on the distance being short, which is more formal or technical if you’re talking about measurements or travel planning.