das Band
ribbon / band
A narrow, long, flat strip of material such as fabric, plastic, or metal, used for tying, decorating, or technical purposes.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein rotes Band um das Geschenk gebunden.
She tied a red ribbon around the gift.
das Band
ribbon / band
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Meanings
das Band
conveyor belt
A technical device that mechanically transports objects or materials from one place to another, for example in a factory (assembly line) or at an airport (baggage belt).
EXAMPLE
Die Koffer laufen am Flughafen über das Band.
The suitcases move along the belt at the airport.
das Band
bond
A close emotional or social connection between people.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Schwestern besteht ein starkes Band der Freundschaft.
There is a strong bond of friendship between the two sisters.
das Band
band
In physics and technology, a specific range of frequencies, for example in broadcasting.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Radiosender sendet auf einem anderen Band als die meisten anderen.
This radio station broadcasts on a different band than most others.
Usage tips
Word family
'Das Band' (ribbon/band) is closely related to the verb 'binden' (to bind/tie). This helps you understand both the material meaning ('something for tying') and the figurative meaning ('a connection').
EXAMPLE
Die Familie wird durch ein starkes Band zusammengehalten.
The family is held together by a strong bond.
Plural as a clue
The plural form reveals the meaning: 'die Bande' is used exclusively for emotional connections between people. 'die Bänder', on the other hand, refers to material strips or technical conveyor belts.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den alten Freunden bestanden enge Bande.
Close bonds existed between the old friends.
Typical collocations
In the material meaning, 'Band' (ribbon/band) is often used with adjectives or in compounds that describe its function, e.g. 'Geschenkband' (gift ribbon), 'Absperrband' (barrier tape), or 'Maßband' (measuring tape).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei sperrte den Tatort mit einem rot-weißen Band ab.
The police cordoned off the crime scene with red-and-white tape.
Industrial context
When 'Band' (belt) means a means of transport, it is almost always found in an industrial or logistical context. Watch for words like 'Fließband' (assembly line/conveyor belt), 'Gepäckband' (baggage carousel/belt), or 'am Band stehen' (to work on the assembly line).
EXAMPLE
In der Fabrik werden die Autoteile am Fließband montiert.
In the factory, the car parts are assembled on the assembly line.
Emotional connection
The emotional meaning is often strengthened by adjectives such as 'stark' (strong), 'eng' (close), or 'fest' (firm). A typical phrase is 'ein Band knüpfen', which means 'to establish a connection' or 'to form a bond'.
EXAMPLE
Durch das gemeinsame Projekt wurde ein Band des Vertrauens zwischen ihnen geknüpft.
Through the joint project, a bond of trust was formed between them.
Compare with
Band vs Verbindung
connection / association
Das Band refers to a close personal connection and sounds emotional and figurative. Verbindung can also describe a social relationship, but here it means more of a neutral or professionally useful contact. Band is therefore suitable for personal closeness, while Verbindung is more appropriate for contacts with influential people.
Band
Zwischen den beiden Schwestern besteht seit ihrer Kindheit ein enges Band.
The two sisters have shared a close bond since childhood.
Verbindung
Durch ihre Arbeit hat sie eine gute Verbindung zu wichtigen Personen in der Stadt.
Through her work, she has good connections with important people in the city.
In real life
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