Definition

Proper noun: * A city in Germany: Lubeck is a city in northern Germany, located in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. It is historically significant as a major port on the Baltic Sea. * A historical Hanseatic city: Lubeck was a principal member and the unofficial capital of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns.

Usage Examples

• As a place name:
  • We took a day trip to Lubeck to see the old town.
  • The Holstentor gate is the iconic symbol of Lubeck.
• In a historical context:
  • Lubeck's wealth in the Middle Ages came from its role in the Hanseatic League.
  • The architecture in Lubeck reflects its historic importance as a trading power.

Advanced Usage

• "Lubeck law": Refers to the form of town law developed in Lubeck, which was adopted by many cities around the Baltic Sea during the Hanseatic period.
  • Several former Hanseatic towns were founded under Lubeck law.

Variants and Related Words

• Lübeck: The correct German spelling of the city's name, which includes an umlaut (ü).
• Hanseatic: (adj) Of or relating to the Hanseatic League.
  • The Hanseatic heritage of the city is well preserved.
• Hanseatic League: (noun) The historical confederation to which Lubeck belonged.

Synonyms

• Hanseatic City (of Lubeck): A term emphasizing its historical association.
• (The) Queen of the Hanse: A historical epithet for Lubeck, highlighting its leading role.

Noun

1. a city in northwestern Germany and an important Baltic port; a leading member of the Hanseatic League