Are the Alps in Central or Western Europe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the geographical classification of the Alps, specifically whether they are located in Central or Western Europe. Participants explore the implications of different definitions and the geographical context of the Alpine regions in relation to Germany and other countries.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that sources refer to the Alps as being in Central or South Central Europe, but question the accuracy of this based on Germany's location.
  • One participant points out that the German Alps are situated in the southern part of Germany, which complicates the classification of Germany's position in relation to the Alps.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of using maps for geographical understanding, suggesting that verbal descriptions can be misleading.
  • A later reply suggests that the southern portion of Germany could be considered as lying in the south-center of Europe, depending on the definitions used.
  • One participant argues that the lack of specificity in geographical descriptions should not lead to concerns about correctness, as long as the general location of the Alps is understood.
  • Another participant reminds the group that many definitions of "Central" Europe were established before the current understanding of "Eastern" Europe was developed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the classification of the Alps and the geographical definitions of Central and Western Europe. There is no consensus on the correct classification, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the ambiguity in geographical definitions and the potential for varying interpretations based on historical context and regional maps.

mech-eng
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in the sources I read the they are in the central europe or sometimes south central. But on the other hand Germany is one of the Alpine countries but I know that it is in west or north west of the Europe continent so is something incorrect?
 
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The German Alps are in the southern portion of that country. Germany is a pretty big country; not as big as France or Spain, but not as small as Austria or Switzerland.

Reading only verbal descriptions of place locations is tricky sometimes. It's always better to have a map of the region handy for reference.

http://www.map-of-europe.us/relief-map.htm
 
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SteamKing said:
The German Alps are in the southern portion of that country. Germany is a pretty big country; not as big as France or Spain, but not as small as Austria or Switzerland.

Reading only verbal descriptions of place locations is tricky sometimes. It's always better to have a map of the region handy for reference.

http://www.map-of-europe.us/relief-map.htm

Then can we say that southern portion of Germany is in lies on the south-center of Europe according to those definitions and yours.
 
These descriptions lack specificity; I wouldn't get too hung up on whether they are 'correct' or 'incorrect' as long as you know where the Alps are. If the article had said that Germany was right next door to say, Turkey, then you have a better case for a geographic description being flat-out wrong.
 
It's probably worth remembering that a lot of definitions of what's "Central" Europe were created before what's now considered "Eastern" Europe was even Europe...
 

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