Rechteckig

Rechteckig is an adjective in German that means rectangular or in the shape of a rectangle. It is used to describe objects, figures, or layouts that have the form of a rectangle, typically with straight edges and four angles.

In geometry, a rectangle (das Rechteck) is a type of quadrilateral characterized by four right angles. Consequently, opposite sides are parallel and equal in length, and the diagonals are equal and bisect each other. The area is calculated as length times width, and the perimeter as twice the sum of length and width. A square is a special case of a rectangle where all sides are equal; however, German commonly distinguishes this with the term quadratisch rather than rechteckig.

Linguistically, rechteckig derives from Rechteck, the noun for rectangle, with the usual German adjectival ending patterns. The phrase ein rechteckiges Fenster, eine rechteckige Tabelle, or eine rechteckige Verpackung illustrates typical usage in descriptions of objects in design, architecture, and product specifications. The concept is contrasted with terms such as quadratisch (square) and viereckig (four-edged, a more general quadrilateral without specifying angles).

In practical contexts, rechteckige shapes are preferred for efficiency in packing, construction, and display, where right angles simplify manufacturing and fitting. The term also appears in technical drawings, UI layouts, and signage to indicate a box-like or box-structured form.