Zange
/ˈtsaŋə/feminine
The German word for pliers is Zange.
Zange refers to a gripping tool that multiplies the strength of the user's hand.
Meaning: gripping tool which multiplies the strength of the user's hand (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, one tool is eine Zange. The plural form is Zangen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsaŋə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use the plural form Zangen when referring to a single tool. Instead, use the singular Zange when you mean one tool.
Did you know?
- The German expression jemanden in die Zange nehmen literally means 'to take someone in the pliers' but is used idiomatically to mean 'to grill someone' or 'to put someone under pressure'.
- The term Zange can also be used metaphorically in German to describe a 'pincer movement' in military or strategic contexts.
- The name of the tool is not actually about gripping, but rather about 'biting', as the word comes from a root meaning to bite.
Examples in context
- Reich mir die Zange!Hand me the pliers.Tatoeba #12276425 by Yorwba, translation #3821458 by CK
- Wofür brauchst du eine Zange?Why do you need a pair of pliers?Tatoeba #12276428 by Yorwba, translation #9409017 by CK
- Leg die Zange in den Werkzeugkasten!Put the pliers in the tool box.Tatoeba #9949264 by Yorwba, translation #1334974 by CK
- Bitte reichen Sie mir die Zange.Please pass me the pliers.
- Können Sie mir helfen, diese Schraube mit einer Zange zu lösen?Can you help me loosen this screw with a pair of pliers?
- Kannst du mir mal die Kneifzange geben?Could you hand me the pliers?
- Pass auf, die Spitze der Kneifzange ist sehr scharf!Be careful, the tip of the pliers is very sharp!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are fixing a broken bike together.
- FelixHast du eine Zange dabei?Do you have a pair of pliers with you?
- HannahJa, ich hole die Zange schnell.Yes, I'll get the pliers quickly.
- FelixDanke, Hannah. Das hilft mir sehr.Thanks, Hannah. That helps me a lot.
- HannahHier ist sie, Felix.Here it is, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pliers” translations and entries Zange, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zange, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
