Streichholzschachtel
/ˈʃtʁaɪ̯ç.hɔl(t)sˌʃax.təl/feminine
The German word for matchbox is Streichholzschachtel.
A Streichholzschachtel refers to a small cardboard box used to hold matches.
Meaning: small cardboard box in which matches are kept (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound formed from Streichholz, meaning match and Schachtel, meaning box.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Streichholzschachtel is Streichholzschachteln.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈʃtʁaɪ̯ç.hɔl(t)sˌʃax.təl/.
Did you know?
- In German, the verb streichen used in Streichholzschachtel also means 'to paint' a wall. This creates a linguistic link between the act of striking a match and the act of applying a brush to a surface.
- In German, the word Schachtel can be used colloquially to describe a very small or cramped car. Referring to a vehicle as a Schachtel suggests it feels as tight as a cardboard box.
- German allows for virtually infinite compound words, and while Streichholzschachtel is common, one could theoretically add more descriptors to the word to specify the box's material or size without adding spaces.
Examples in context
- Dieses Radio ist nicht größer als eine Streichholzschachtel.This radio is no bigger than a matchbox.This sentence is useful for comparing the size of an object to a Streichholzschachtel.Tatoeba #1954442 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1954449 by al_ex_an_der
- Ich brauche eine Streichholzschachtel, um das Feuerzeug aufzubewahren.I need a matchbox to store the lighter.
- Hey, hast du 'ne Zündholzschachtel? Ich möchte ein Feuer machen.Hey, do you have a matchbox? I want to start a fire.
- Die Streichholzschachtel liegt auf dem Tisch.The matchbox is lying on the table.
- Ich brauche eine Streichholzschachtel für die Kerzen.I need a matchbox for the candles.
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are in a kitchen preparing a candlelit dinner.
- JulianHannah, hast du eine Streichholzschachtel gefunden?Hannah, did you find a matchbox?
- HannahJa, sie ist hier in der Schublade.Yes, it is here in the drawer.
- JulianSuper, dann können wir die Kerzen anzünden.Great, then we can light the candles.
- HannahIch mache das sofort für dich, Julian.I will do that for you immediately, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “matchbox” translations and entries Streichholzschachtel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
