01
der Block
block
A large, solid piece of a firm material such as stone, wood, or ice.
example
Der Bildhauer meißelte die Figur aus einem einzigen Block Marmor.
The sculptor chiseled the figure from a single block of marble.
der Block
block / pad
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound words
'Block' is a very productive base word. Many compound nouns make the meaning more precise, for example 'Wohnblock' (apartment block), 'Schreibblock' (notepad), 'Motorblock' (part of an engine), or 'Blockflöte' (recorder).
EXAMPLE
Für die Schule brauche ich noch einen neuen Schreibblock.
I still need a new notepad for school.
Typical preposition
When 'Block' describes a piece of material, the material is often given with the preposition 'aus' (from / made of).
EXAMPLE
Die Statue wurde aus einem einzigen Block Granit gefertigt.
The statue was made from a single block of granite.
Typical collocations
In connection with a notepad, typical verbs are 'notieren' (to note down), 'schreiben' (to write), or 'zeichnen' (to draw). It is often described with adjectives such as 'kariert' (squared) or 'liniert' (lined).
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich die Telefonnummer schnell auf seinem Block notiert.
He quickly noted down the phone number on his notepad.
Context clue
In an urban context, 'Block' can mean a building or the area surrounded by streets. 'In einem Block wohnen' refers to the building, while 'um den Block gehen' refers to the area.
EXAMPLE
Meine neue Wohnung ist in einem großen Block am Stadtrand.
My new apartment is in a large block on the outskirts of the city.
Political context
In political or economic contexts, 'Block' refers to an alliance with shared interests. A typical verb in this context is 'bilden' (to form).
EXAMPLE
Die Oppositionsparteien bildeten einen Block gegen den Gesetzesentwurf der Regierung.
The opposition parties formed a bloc against the government's draft law.
Compare with
Block vs Lager
warehouse / camp
'das Lager' and 'der Block' can both mean a group of people, parties, or states with similar interests. 'Lager' often emphasizes a shared political or ideological opinion and the contrast with another side. 'Block' sounds more like a fixed association or alliance, especially among states or parties. Learners may confuse the words because both describe groups in political texts. As a guide: 'Lager' fits well for groups based on shared opinions; 'Block' is more suitable for organized groups with shared power or strategy.
Block
Mehrere Parteien bildeten einen Block, um gemeinsam abzustimmen.
Several parties formed a bloc in order to vote together.
Lager
Im Parlament gibt es ein konservatives Lager und ein linkes Lager.
In parliament, there is a conservative camp and a left-wing camp.
In real life
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