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
der Deckel
cap / limit
(Colloquial, figurative) An upper limit or cap, for example on costs, prices, or rents.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung diskutiert über einen Deckel für die Mietpreise.
The government is discussing a cap on rent prices.
der Deckel
cover
The firm outer covering of a book, usually made of cardboard or pasteboard. Often called 'Buchdeckel' (book cover).
EXAMPLE
Der Deckel des alten Buches war mit Gold verziert.
The cover of the old book was decorated with gold.
der Deckel
bill
(Colloquial) The bill in a pub or restaurant. This meaning comes from the former practice of writing down what someone consumed on a beer mat.
EXAMPLE
Herr Ober, bringen Sie uns bitte den Deckel!
Waiter, please bring us the bill!
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 Rechnung
bill / calculation
After a meal at a restaurant, both words can refer to the amount to be paid or the document associated with it. „Die Rechnung“ is the neutral term and is appropriate everywhere. „Der Deckel“ is colloquial in this context and is mainly used when placing a casual order at a pub.
Deckel
Nach dem Essen bat ich den Kellner in der Kneipe um den Deckel.
After the meal, I asked the waiter at the pub for the bill.
Rechnung
Nach dem Essen bat ich den Kellner um die Rechnung.
After the meal, I asked the waiter for the bill.
In real life
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