der Anker
anchor
A heavy metal object that is lowered from a ship into the water to hold it on the seabed and prevent it from drifting away.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän gab den Befehl, den Anker zu lichten.
The captain gave the order to weigh anchor.
der Anker
anchor
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Meanings
der Anker
anchor
In a figurative sense, a person or thing that provides support, security, and stability.
EXAMPLE
In dieser schwierigen Zeit war ihre Familie ihr fester Anker.
During this difficult time, her family was her firm anchor.
der Anker
anchor
A component in technology or construction used to fasten or connect elements, for example in masonry.
EXAMPLE
Die Fassadenplatten werden mit speziellen Ankern in der Wand befestigt.
The facade panels are fastened to the wall with special anchors.
der Anker
armature / rotor
The rotating part in an electric motor or generator, also called a runner or rotor.
EXAMPLE
Der Techniker stellte fest, dass der Anker des Elektromotors beschädigt war.
The technician determined that the armature of the electric motor was damaged.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
In a maritime context, there are fixed expressions: 'den Anker werfen' or 'den Anker auswerfen' (to drop anchor), to stop; 'den Anker lichten' (to weigh anchor), to set off; and 'vor Anker liegen' (to be at anchor), to describe the state of waiting.
EXAMPLE
Das Schiff liegt seit gestern vor Anker.
The ship has been at anchor since yesterday.
Figurative meaning
The figurative meaning of 'Halt und Sicherheit' (support and security) comes directly from the function of a ship's anchor. Just as the anchor holds a ship in place, a person or an idea can provide stability in life.
EXAMPLE
Seine Prinzipien waren der feste Anker in seinem Leben.
His principles were the firm anchor in his life.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Anker' (anchor) is often combined with adjectives such as 'fest' (firm) or 'sicher' (secure). Another common expression is that someone is 'der Anker in der Not' (the anchor in times of need).
EXAMPLE
Für die Kinder war die Großmutter der sichere Anker der Familie.
For the children, their grandmother was the secure anchor of the family.
Register: technical language
The meanings of 'Anker' (anchor) in construction engineering or in electric motors are technical language. In normal everyday life, you will hear this term almost exclusively for ships or in the figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Der Elektriker muss den Anker des Motors austauschen.
The electrician has to replace the motor's armature.
Compare with
Anker vs Rückhalt
support / backing
Anker and Rückhalt can both refer to security provided by other people. Anker is a figurative, stabilizing point, while Rückhalt refers to actual moral, emotional, or financial support. Use Rückhalt when this support is the main focus.
Anker
In der schwierigen Zeit war meine Schwester mein Anker.
During that difficult time, my sister was my anchor.
Rückhalt
In der schwierigen Zeit bekam ich von meiner Schwester viel Rückhalt.
During that difficult time, I received a great deal of support from my sister.
In real life
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