die Achse
axle
A rod or shaft in technology around which wheels turn, or that connects wheels to each other.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unfall war die vordere Achse des Wagens gebrochen.
After the accident, the car's front axle was broken.
die Achse
axis / axle
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Meanings
die Achse
axis
An imaginary straight line that serves as a reference line in geometry, physics, or for symmetries.
EXAMPLE
In einem Koordinatensystem schneiden sich die x-Achse und die y-Achse im Nullpunkt.
In a coordinate system, the x-axis and the y-axis intersect at the origin.
die Achse
axis
A political or military alliance between two or more states.
EXAMPLE
Die politische Achse zwischen den beiden Hauptstädten hat sich in den letzten Jahren gefestigt.
The political axis between the two capitals has strengthened in recent years.
Usage tips
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Achse' (axis/axle) from the context. In technical contexts (car, bicycle), it means the shaft for wheels. In geometry or physics, it is a reference line. In politics, it describes an alliance.
EXAMPLE
Die hintere Achse des LKW muss repariert werden.
The truck's rear axle needs to be repaired.
Fixed expression
The colloquial expression 'auf Achse sein' means that someone is on the road a lot or traveling.
EXAMPLE
Als Vertreter ist er die ganze Woche auf Achse.
As a sales representative, he is on the road all week.
Typical collocations
In technical contexts, 'Achse' (axle) is often combined with adjectives like 'vordere' (front), 'hintere' (rear), or 'gebrochene' (broken). People also speak of the 'Achse eines Wagens' (axle of a car) or 'eines Anhängers' (of a trailer).
EXAMPLE
Bei dem alten Fahrrad ist die vordere Achse verbogen.
The front axle on the old bicycle is bent.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'sich um die eigene Achse drehen' is a very common expression and means that something or someone turns in a circle.
EXAMPLE
Die Tänzerin konnte sich zehnmal schnell um die eigene Achse drehen.
The dancer was able to spin around her own axis ten times quickly.
Typical collocations
In political contexts, people often speak of a 'politische Achse' (political axis) or an 'Achse zwischen' (axis between) two cities or countries. Common verbs are 'bilden' (to form) or 'stärken' (to strengthen).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Länder wollen eine wirtschaftliche Achse bilden.
The two countries want to form an economic axis.
Compare with
Achse vs Linie
line
A Linie can be a visible straight connection or mark. An Achse, by contrast, is an imaginary straight reference line used, for example, to orient coordinates or indicate symmetry. Use „Linie“ for the drawn mark and „Achse“ when the line serves this kind of orienting function.
Achse
Die Punkte liegen symmetrisch zur senkrechten Achse.
The points are symmetrical about the vertical axis.
Linie
Zeichne eine gerade Linie durch die beiden markierten Punkte.
Draw a straight line through the two marked points.
In real life
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