hatchet
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hatchet
A tool with a short handle and a heavy, sharp blade, used for chopping and splitting wood. It is smaller than an axe.
Mit dem Beil zerhackte er das Anzündholz für den Kamin.
He chopped the kindling for the fireplace with the hatchet.
The word 'Beil' (hatchet) is part of the well-known idiom 'das Kriegsbeil begraben' (to bury the hatchet). This means to end an argument and make peace.
Nach jahrelangem Streit haben die beiden Nachbarn endlich das Kriegsbeil begraben.
After years of arguing, the two neighbors finally buried the hatchet.
As a tool, 'das Beil' (the hatchet) is typically used with verbs that describe its function. Common combinations are 'mit dem Beil Holz hacken' (to chop wood with a hatchet) or 'Holz spalten' (to split wood).
Er spaltete das Holz mit einem scharfen Beil in kleine Stücke.
He split the wood into small pieces with a sharp hatchet.
When describing that you are using the tool, you almost always use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative.
Sei vorsichtig, wenn du mit dem Beil arbeitest!
Be careful when you work with the hatchet!
axe
An Axt and a Beil are tools for chopping or splitting wood. An Axt is usually larger and has a longer handle, while a Beil is smaller and easier to handle. Use Axt for heavy work and Beil when a smaller tool is sufficient.
Zum Spalten der kleinen Holzstücke nahm der Förster ein handliches Beil.
To split the small pieces of wood, the forester took a handy hatchet.
Zum Fällen des dicken Baumes nahm der Förster eine Axt mit langem Stiel.
To fell the thick tree, the forester took an axe with a long handle.
