liechtenstein

liechtenstein — noun

1. a European principality, landlocked between Switzerland and Austria in the Rhine

1.nounB1
Definition

a European principality, landlocked between Switzerland and Austria in the Rhine valley, with its capital at Vaduz.

Example

Maja is planning a trip to Liechtenstein next summer to see the alpine scenery.

used without the definite article 'the'

Imran read a report about Liechtenstein's banking industry and its global reputation.

possessive: Liechtenstein's + noun

Common collocations
  • in Liechtenstein
  • the principality of Liechtenstein
  • Liechtenstein's economy
  • visit Liechtenstein
  • capital Vaduz

Usage Note

When referring to the country by name, no article is used (e.g., 'She lives in Liechtenstein,' not 'in the Liechtenstein'). The definite article 'the' is used in phrases such as 'the Principality of Liechtenstein' or 'the Liechtenstein government.'

Common Mistakes

He visited the Liechtenstein last year.
He visited Liechtenstein last year.
country names generally do not take 'the' unless they contain a common noun (e.g., the United States, the Czech Republic).

liechtenstein — adjective

Word family

  • Liechtensteiner
    nounB1

Etymology

GermanEnglish

The country takes its name from the Liechtenstein dynasty, which purchased the territory in 1699 and 1712 and was granted the status of an imperial principality in 1719. The family name comes from German 'Lichtenstein,' meaning 'bright stone' — a compound of 'licht' (light, bright) and 'Stein' (stone). The name originally referred to the family's castle in Lower Austria.