01
die Axt
axe
A tool with a heavy metal head and a long handle, used for splitting and felling wood.
example
Er spaltete das Brennholz mit einer scharfen Axt.
He split the firewood with a sharp axe.
die Axt
axe
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical verbs
In connection with the tool 'Axt' (axe), the verbs 'hacken' (to chop), 'spalten' (to split), or 'fällen' (to fell) are often used. You do something 'mit der Axt' (with the axe).
EXAMPLE
Der Forstarbeiter fällte den Baum mit wenigen Schlägen seiner Axt.
The forestry worker felled the tree with just a few swings of his axe.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich benehmen wie die Axt im Walde' means that someone behaves very roughly, clumsily, and without consideration for others.
EXAMPLE
Er hat alle angeschrien. Er benimmt sich wie die Axt im Walde.
He shouted at everyone. He's behaving like a bull in a china shop.
Using the expression
The expression is usually used with the verb 'sich benehmen' (to behave). Sometimes the expression is also used as a short comment, 'Die Axt im Walde!' (like a bull in a china shop!), to criticize a person's behavior.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Tür eingetreten. Wirklich die Axt im Walde!
He kicked the door in. A real bull in a china shop!
Compare with
Axt vs Beil
hatchet
'die Axt' and 'das Beil' are both tools for chopping or splitting wood. The main difference is size. An Axt usually has a longer handle and is heavier; it works well for larger jobs, for example felling a tree or splitting large pieces of wood. A Beil is smaller and often has a shorter handle; it is used more for smaller pieces of wood or when camping. Learners can easily confuse the words because their shape is similar. Memory tip: an Axt is more likely to be large and heavy, while a Beil is more likely to be small and handy.
Axt
Mit der Axt spaltete der Nachbar die dicken Holzstücke hinter dem Haus.
The neighbor split the thick pieces of wood behind the house with the axe.
Beil
Nach dem Essen hacken wir mit dem Beil kleines Holz für das Lagerfeuer.
After dinner, we chop small pieces of wood for the campfire with the hatchet.
In real life
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