01
der Deckel
lid / cap
A removable or hinged cover for the top opening of a container, such as a pot, bottle, or box.
example
Vergiss nicht, den Deckel wieder auf den Topf zu legen.
Don't forget to put the lid back on the pot.
der Deckel
lid / cap
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Deckel' (lid) is closely related to the verb 'decken' (to cover), which means 'bedecken' (to cover) or 'zudecken' (to cover up). A 'Deckel' is therefore literally an object that covers something.
EXAMPLE
Bitte decke den Salat mit einem Deckel ab, damit er frisch bleibt.
Please cover the salad with a lid so it stays fresh.
Fixed expression
There is the well-known saying 'Auf jeden Topf passt ein Deckel' (there is a lid for every pot). It means that there is a suitable partner for every person.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen, du findest schon jemanden. Auf jeden Topf passt ein Deckel.
Don't worry, you'll find someone. There is a lid for every pot.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'Deckel' (lid) is often combined with containers. Typical phrases are 'den Deckel auf den Topf legen' (to put the lid on the pot), 'den Deckel einer Flasche zuschrauben' (to screw on the cap of a bottle), or 'den Deckel einer Kiste öffnen' (to open the lid of a box).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir helfen, den Deckel von diesem Glas zu bekommen?
Can you help me get the lid off this jar?
Context clue
The figurative meaning 'Obergrenze' (upper limit) is used almost exclusively in political or economic discussions. It is often used as part of a compound such as 'Mietendeckel' (rent cap) or 'Preisdeckel' (price cap).
EXAMPLE
Die Einführung eines Mietendeckels wird kontrovers diskutiert.
The introduction of a rent cap is being discussed controversially.
Register
The meaning 'Rechnung' (bill) for 'Deckel' is colloquial. It is mainly used in informal situations in a pub or restaurant.
EXAMPLE
Wir möchten zahlen, bringen Sie uns bitte den Deckel!
We'd like to pay; please bring us the bill!
Compare with
Deckel vs Grenze
border / limit
'Grenze' and 'Deckel' can both mean a limit. 'Grenze' is the general and neutral term for the end of a range or a possibility. In this meaning, 'Deckel' is colloquial and refers to a fixed upper limit or cap, often for money, prices, or costs. The words can be confused because both say that something should not go further or should not become higher. In factual texts, 'Grenze' is usually more natural; for costs, you often hear 'Deckel', for example 'Mietdeckel' (rent cap) or 'Preisdeckel' (price cap).
Deckel
Die Stadt will einen Deckel für die Mieten einführen.
The city wants to introduce a cap on rents.
Grenze
Bei diesem Projekt liegt die Grenze unseres Budgets bei 5.000 Euro.
For this project, the limit of our budget is 5,000 euros.
In real life
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