hofseitige

Hofseitige is a German adjective used in architecture and real estate to describe something that is oriented toward or facing an inner courtyard. The term is commonly applied to facades, windows, or rooms that are on the courtyard side rather than on the street or exterior facade.

Origin and form: derived from Hof (courtyard) and seitig (on the side). As an attributive adjective it takes inflections: hofseitige Fassade, hofseitiger Raum, hofseitige Lage. The feminine form appears as hofseitige, masculine as hofseitiger, neuter as hofseitiges, depending on the noun.

Usage: It appears in architectural plans, building descriptions, and real estate listings to indicate orientation. It is often contrasted with strassenseitig (street-facing) or giebelseitig (gable-side). More specific terms include innenhofseitig (facing an inner courtyard) and hofseitig as a general descriptor.

Implications: Courtyard-facing spaces are typically quieter due to reduced street noise and may benefit from natural light that enters through inner courtyards, though light levels depend on courtyard size and surrounding structures. Ventilation can vary with building layout.

See also: Related terms include straßenseitig (street-facing), giebelseitig (gable-side), and innenhofseitig (facing the inner courtyard).