Zahnrad
In German, the English phrase "cog" is translated as Zahnrad.
Meaning: tooth on a gear (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun Zahnrad is a compound word made up of Zahn, meaning tooth and Rad, meaning wheel.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the whole and the part: Zahnrad refers to the entire gear wheel, whereas Zahn refers specifically to an individual tooth on that gear.
How does it change in a sentence?
Zahnrad is a neuter noun. The plural form of this word is Zahnräder.
Did you know?
- The word Rad in Zahnrad is a distant relative of the English word 'radical', as both originally referred to the root of a plant.
- In German, the concept of being a 'cog in the machine' is often translated as being a Rädchen im Getriebe, which literally means a 'little wheel in the transmission'.
- The word Zahn is used in German to describe not just biological teeth but also the jagged edges of a saw or the teeth of a comb.
Examples in context
- Das Zahnrad ist ein unverzichtbares Teil einer Maschine.The cog is an indispensable part of a machine.
- Das Ritzel greift in die Zähne des Antriebsrads ein.The cog engages with the teeth of the drive wheel.
- Ich muss das Rad in der Maschine austauschen.I need to replace the cog in the machine.
Example conversation
Felix is repairing a small clock in the living room.
- FelixLaura, schau mal, dieses Zahnrad klemmt.Laura, look, this cog is stuck.
- LauraKannst du das Zahnrad reparieren?Can you repair the cog?
- FelixJa, ich versuche es.Yes, I will try.
- LauraViel Glück dabei, Felix.Good luck with that, Felix.
