01
das Brett
board
A long, flat, rectangular piece of wood that has been sawn from a tree trunk.
example
Für den Bau des Regals benötigen wir noch ein stabiles Brett.
We still need a sturdy board to build the shelf.
das Brett
board
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Productive compounds
'Brett' (board) is a very productive base word for many objects that are flat and intended for a specific purpose. Examples include 'Schneidebrett' (cutting board), 'Bügelbrett' (ironing board), or 'Surfbrett' (surfboard).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte das Schneidebrett für das Gemüse geben?
Could you please give me the cutting board for the vegetables?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ein Brett vor dem Kopf haben' is a fixed structure. It means that a person does not understand something obvious. The person who does not understand something is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ihm die Lösung dreimal erklärt, aber er hat anscheinend ein Brett vor dem Kopf.
I explained the solution to him three times, but he apparently is really slow on the uptake.
Fixed expression
The expression 'das Schwarze Brett' (the noticeboard) is a fixed term for an information board. Even though these boards are often no longer black today, the term is still used, especially at universities, schools, or companies.
EXAMPLE
Neue Jobangebote finden Sie am Schwarzen Brett neben der Kantine.
You can find new job offers on the noticeboard next to the cafeteria.
Game context clue
When 'Brett' (board) is used in connection with words like 'spielen' (to play), 'Schach' (chess), 'Figuren' (pieces), or 'Würfel' (dice), it always means the playing surface of a board game.
EXAMPLE
Setz deine Figur auf das nächste Feld auf dem Brett.
Place your piece on the next square on the board.
Swimming pool context clue
In the context of 'Schwimmbad' (swimming pool), 'springen' (to jump), or 'Wasser' (water), 'Brett' refers to the diving board. The height is often mentioned as well, for example 'das Ein-Meter-Brett' (the one-meter diving board) or 'das Drei-Meter-Brett' (the three-meter diving board).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder springen mutig vom Ein-Meter-Brett.
The children bravely jump from the one-meter diving board.
Typical collocations
In its basic meaning as a piece of wood, 'Brett' (board) is often combined with verbs like 'sägen' (to saw) or 'nageln' (to nail), or adjectives like 'dick' (thick), 'dünn' (thin), or 'stabil' (sturdy).
EXAMPLE
Der Zimmermann sägt die Bretter für das Dach zu.
The carpenter cuts the boards for the roof to size.
Compare with
Brett vs Platte
plate / record
'die Platte' and 'das Brett' can both be a flat, solid piece of material. 'Platte' is more general and can be made of many materials, for example metal, stone, plastic, or wood. 'Brett' normally means a long, flat piece of wood or a wooden shelf board in a bookcase or cabinet. The words can be confused especially when talking about wood. If the material wood is important and the shape is more long and narrow, people usually say 'Brett'. If what is meant is simply a flat, solid surface, or if the material can vary, 'Platte' fits better.
Brett
Für das Regal brauchen wir noch ein Brett in der richtigen Länge.
We still need a board of the right length for the shelf.
Platte
Die schwere Platte aus Stein kommt später auf den Gartentisch.
The heavy stone slab will go on the garden table later.
In real life
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