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
'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.
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.
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.