01
das Tau
rope
A very thick and strong rope used especially in shipping, climbing, or for securing heavy loads.
example
Das Schiff wurde mit einem dicken Tau am Pier festgemacht.
The ship was secured to the pier with a thick rope.
das Tau
rope
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Meanings
Usage tips
Important article
The article is crucial with this word. 'Das Tau' (neuter) is the thick rope. There is also 'der Tau' (masculine), which means the moisture in the morning (dew).
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger sicherten sich mit einem Tau.
The climbers secured themselves with a rope.
Shipping context
In the field of shipping, there are fixed expressions with 'Tau' (rope). You can 'die Taue loswerfen' (cast off the ropes, to depart) or 'mit Tauen festmachen' (secure with ropes, to dock) a ship.
EXAMPLE
Der Kapitän gab den Befehl, die Taue loszuwerfen.
The captain gave the order to cast off the ropes.
Typical adjectives
Since a rope has to be very sturdy, it is often described with adjectives such as 'dick' (thick), 'stark' (strong), or 'reißfest' (tear-resistant).
EXAMPLE
Für diese schwere Last brauchen wir ein besonders reißfestes Tau.
For this heavy load, we need an especially tear-resistant rope.
Compare with
Tau vs Kabel
cable
'das Kabel' and 'das Tau' can both refer to something very thick and strong that is used to hold or secure heavy things. 'Tau' is a very thick rope and fits especially well with ships, climbing, or securing heavy loads. 'Kabel' here usually means a strong technical cable, often made of steel, for example on a bridge or a machine. 'Tau' sounds more like a rope made of fibers or something connected with shipping, while 'Kabel' sounds more technical and metal-related.
Tau
Am Hafen macht der Matrose das Boot mit einem Tau fest.
At the harbor, the sailor ties up the boat with a rope.
Kabel
Ein dickes Kabel aus Stahl zieht den Aufzug nach oben.
A thick steel cable pulls the elevator upward.
In real life
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