bogen

Bogen is a German noun with several related meanings. In general use it denotes a curved line or form—a arc in geometry and a curved line in everyday language. It can also mean a bow, as in the weapon used for archery or the bow used to draw a violin or other string instrument.

In architecture and construction, a Bogen refers to an arched structure or curved support, such as an archway, vault, or bridge arch. The term is used in compound forms describing specific arches, like Bogenfenster (arched window) or Weidenbogen (willow-arch).

Bogen also appears in printing and paper contexts: ein Bogen means one sheet of paper, typically a standard size in the printing industry.

Geography and names: Bogen is the name of a town in Bavaria, Germany, located in the district of Straubing-Bayerischer Wald in Lower Bavaria. The term also exists as a surname in German-speaking regions.

Etymology and usage: Bogen derives from the same root as the words for bend or curve in German and is used across disciplines to describe anything with a rounded, curved, or arched form. The word’s usage spans everyday language, technical terminology, and place names, reflecting its core idea of curvature.