Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Schraubenzieher | masculine |
| Schraubendreher | masculine |
| Schrauber | colloquial, masculine |
The word refers to the hand tool used for turning screws. If you are looking for a collection of these tools, you can use the term Schraubenziehersatz for a screwdriver set.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schraubenzieher is a compound of Schraube (screw) and Zieher (puller/drawer).
Which one should you use?
Schraubenzieher is the common term used in everyday speech. In contrast, Schraubendreher is the more technically precise term often used in professional or instructional contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Schrauber is a colloquial shortening used in casual speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Schraubenzieher and Schraubendreher are masculine nouns. In the plural, both words remain unchanged. Schraubenzieher is used for both the singular and plural forms, as is Schraubendreher.
Did you know?
- The phrase rumschrauben comes from the word for screwdriver and means to tinker or fiddle with something. It is used even when no actual screws are involved, such as when adjusting software settings.
- In the automotive world, a Schrauber is more than just a mechanic. It describes a specific subculture of enthusiasts who spend their weekends tinkering with cars in home garages.
- In German workshops, if someone asks for a Schrauber without specifying a type, they are often referring to an electric power screwdriver rather than a manual one.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Schraubenzieher?Where is the screwdriver?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the Schraubenzieher.Tatoeba #12455575 by mayabe, translation #3314729 by CM
- Das ist ein Schraubenzieher.This is a screwdriver.This sentence is useful for identifying Schraubenzieher.Tatoeba #11567527 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3314728 by sundown
- Wessen Schraubenzieher ist das?Whose screwdriver is this?This sentence is useful for asking about the ownership of the Schraubenzieher.Tatoeba #13142972 by Waldelfe, translation #13142961 by ddnktr
- Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Schraubendreher leihen?Could you please lend me a screwdriver?
- Kannst du mir bitte den Schrauber geben?Can you please pass me the screwdriver?
- Reich mal den Schlitz rüberPass me the slotted screwdriver.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are fixing a small wooden box in the living room.
- FelixJulia, kannst du mir den Schraubenzieher geben?Julia, can you give me the screwdriver?
- JuliaHier, nimm diesen Schraubenzieher.Here, take this screwdriver.
- FelixDanke, der Schraubenzieher ist perfekt.Thanks, the screwdriver is perfect.
- JuliaGern geschehen, Felix.You're welcome, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “screwdriver” translations and entries Schraubenzieher, Schraubendreher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
