Streichholzschachtel
/ˈʃtʁaɪ̯ç.hɔl(t)sˌʃax.təl/
A box of matches in German is Streichholzschachtel.
This phrase refers to a small container used to hold matchsticks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Streichholzschachtel is Streichholzschachteln, which means boxes of matches.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of Streichholzschachtel is /ˈʃtʁaɪ̯ç.hɔl(t)sˌʃax.təl/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In German, the word streichen used in Streichholzschachtel means both 'to strike' a match and 'to paint' a wall.
- The gender of the entire compound word Streichholzschachtel is determined solely by the final element, Schachtel, which is feminine.
- While English speakers might use 'box' for any size, a German speaker uses Schachtel for a matchbox but would switch to Karton for a shipping box.
Examples in context
- In der obersten Schublade sollte eine Streichholzschachtel sein.There should be a box of matches in the top drawer.This sentence shows the location of a Streichholzschachtel.Tatoeba #10190210 by Yorwba, translation #6954637 by CK
- Er schob die Hand in seine Tasche und zog eine Streichholzschachtel heraus.He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a box of matches.This sentence describes someone pulling a Streichholzschachtel from a pocket.Tatoeba #4817192 by Esperantostern, translation #10982570 by sundown
- Das Leben ist wie eine Streichholzschachtel. Vorsichtig mit ihr umzugehen ist dumm, nicht vorsichtig mit ihr umzugehen ist gefährlich.Life is as a box of matches. Treating it cautiously is foolish, not treating it cautiously is dangerous.This sentence uses Streichholzschachtel as a metaphor for life.Tatoeba #786905 by Esperantostern, translation #390066 by Scott
- Können Sie mir bitte eine Streichholzschachtel geben?Could you please give me a box of matches?
- Hey, hast du eine Zündholzschachtel dabei?Hey, do you have a box of matches with you?
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are in the kitchen trying to light a candle.
- LukasHast du eine Streichholzschachtel hier?Do you have a box of matches here?
- LauraNein, ich finde keine Streichholzschachtel.No, I can't find a box of matches.
- LukasSchau mal, da ist eine Streichholzschachtel auf dem Regal.Look, there is a box of matches on the shelf.
- LauraOh, danke, Lukas!Oh, thanks, Lukas!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Streichholzschachtel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
