der Amboss
anvil
A heavy block of steel on which a blacksmith shapes metals by hammering. It serves as a resistant work surface.
EXAMPLE
Der Schmied legte das glühende Eisen auf den Amboss.
The blacksmith placed the glowing iron on the anvil.
der Amboss
anvil / incus
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Meanings
der Amboss
incus
One of the three auditory ossicles in the middle ear, named this way because of its shape. It transmits vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.
EXAMPLE
Der Hammer, der Amboss und der Steigbügel sind die kleinsten Knochen im menschlichen Körper.
The malleus, the incus, and the stapes are the smallest bones in the human body.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
There is an important idiom: 'zwischen Hammer und Amboss sein' (to be between hammer and anvil). It means that you are in a difficult situation in which you are under pressure from two sides.
EXAMPLE
In dem Familienkonflikt fühlte er sich wie zwischen Hammer und Amboss.
In the family conflict, he felt as if he were between hammer and anvil.
Context clue
The meaning can easily be inferred from the topic of the conversation or text. If it is about crafts, metal, and blacksmiths, the tool is meant. If it is about medicine, anatomy, or hearing, the bone in the ear is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Schmied schlug mit dem Hammer auf das heiße Eisen auf dem Amboss.
The blacksmith struck the hot iron on the anvil with the hammer.
Typical verbs
In its original meaning as a tool, 'Amboss' (anvil) is almost always connected with the typical activities of a blacksmith. Common verbs are 'schmieden' (to forge), 'hämmern' (to hammer), or 'bearbeiten' (to work on).
EXAMPLE
Er schmiedete das Hufeisen auf dem Amboss.
He forged the horseshoe on the anvil.
Compare with
Amboss vs Hammer
hammer
„Der Hammer“ and „der Amboss“ are both tools used in blacksmithing, but they have different functions. The hammer is used to strike the metal, while the anvil serves as a solid work surface. Use „Hammer“ for the striking tool and „Amboss“ for the block on which the work is done.
Amboss
Der Schmied legt das heiße Metall auf den Amboss.
The blacksmith places the hot metal on the anvil.
Hammer
Der Schmied formt das heiße Metall mit dem Hammer.
The blacksmith shapes the hot metal with the hammer.
In real life
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