noun
surroundings, environment, vicinity
B1
Umgebung: feminine noun meaning surroundings, environment or vicinity. Article: die Umgebung (sing.), plural Umgebungen. Common collocations: in der Umgebung (in the area), die nähere Umgebung. Regular plural formation; genitive singular der Umgebung. Used for physical or social surroundings. Also often used in phrases like 'in der Umgebung von'.
Examples
Die Umgebung des Hotels ist ruhig und grün.
The surroundings of the hotel are quiet and green.
Die Umgebung ist sehr schön.
The surrounding area is very beautiful.
Wir müssen die Umwelt und die lokale Umgebung schützen.
We must protect the environment and the local area.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a circle around a house showing everything in its immediate area
Think 'um + being' — 'the being around you' = surroundings
die -> picture a 'die' sign pinned around the area (female article)
Notes
Often used for both physical immediate area and more general environment. Singular is common; plural 'Umgebungen' exists but is less frequent.