Nagel
/ˈnaːɡəl/masculine
The German word for nail is Nagel.
Nagel refers to a spike-shaped metal fastener used for joining wood or similar materials. It can also be used in compound words, such as Nagelfeile, which means nail file.
Meaning: spike-shaped metal fastener used for joining wood or similar materials (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Nagel is a masculine noun. The singular nominative form is Nagel, and the plural nominative form is Nägel.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnaːɡəl/
Did you know?
- In German, the phrase auf den Nagel genau is used to describe something that is extremely precise, similar to saying something is 'spot on' in English.
- The German idiom den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen translates literally to 'hit the nail on the head' and is used in the exact same way as the English expression.
- The word Nagel descends from the Proto-West Germanic word *nagl, which is a direct ancestor of the English word 'nail'.
Examples in context
- Schlag den Nagel ein.Hammer the nail in.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use the verb to hammer a Nagel into something.Tatoeba #12319572 by Augustus, translation #2711749 by sharptoothed
- Der Nagel ist verbogen.The nail is bent.This sentence is useful for describing a bent Nagel.Tatoeba #12319573 by Augustus, translation #11219028 by CK
- Hast du meine Nagelfeile?Have you got my nail file?This sentence is useful for asking about a Nagelfeile.Tatoeba #8310091 by GuidoW, translation #11531167 by sundown
- Ich hätte gerne einen Kostenvoranschlag für 100 Nägel, bitte.I would like a cost estimate for 100 nails, please.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte die passenden Nägel für dieses Holz empfehlen?Could you please recommend the appropriate nails for this wood?
- Kannst du mir bitte diesen Nagel geben?Can you please pass me that nail?
- Hast du noch ein paar Nägel übrig? Ich möchte ein Bild aufhängen.Do you have any nails left? I want to hang a picture.
- Dieser Nagel ist zu kurz. Hast du einen längeren?This nail is too short. Do you have a longer one?
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are fixing a wooden birdhouse in the garden.
- SarahBrauchst du einen Nagel?Do you need a nail?
- MaximilianJa, gib mir bitte einen Nagel.Yes, please give me a nail.
- SarahHier ist der Nagel.Here is the nail.
- MaximilianDanke, Sarah. Jetzt ist es fest.Thanks, Sarah. Now it is secure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nail” translations and entries Nagel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nagel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
