01
der Draht
wire
A thin, long, and bendable strand of metal. It is used, for example, for electrical cables, fences, or crafts.
example
Der Zaun wurde mit einem stabilen Draht repariert.
The fence was repaired with a sturdy wire.
der Draht
wire
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Dative construction
In the idiom 'einen Draht zu jemandem haben' (to have a good connection with someone), the person with whom you have a good relationship is always in the dative. So the question is: 'Zu wem hast du einen guten Draht?' (Who do you have a good connection with?)
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen guten Draht zu seinen neuen Kollegen.
He has a good connection with his new colleagues.
Context clue
The idiom 'die Drähte ziehen' (to pull the strings) is always used in the plural. If you hear 'Drähte' in connection with power or control, this figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Man vermutet, dass einflussreiche Geschäftsleute im Hintergrund die Drähte ziehen.
People suspect that influential businesspeople are pulling the strings in the background.
Register
The expression 'auf Draht sein' (to be on the ball) is colloquial. It is mostly used in informal conversations to express that someone is attentive and capable.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche morgens erst einen Kaffee, um richtig auf Draht zu sein.
I need a coffee in the morning first to really be on the ball.
Typical collocations
In the literal sense, 'Draht' (wire) is often combined with verbs like 'spannen' (to stretch), 'verlegen' (to lay/install), 'durchschneiden' (to cut through), or 'biegen' (to bend). Common compounds are 'Stacheldraht' (barbed wire) or 'Kupferdraht' (copper wire).
EXAMPLE
Der Elektriker hat einen neuen Draht für die Lampe verlegt.
The electrician installed a new wire for the lamp.
Compare with
Draht vs Verbindung
connection / association
'die Verbindung' and 'der Draht' can both mean a good relationship with a person. 'Verbindung' is neutral and can describe a social or professional contact that is useful. 'einen guten Draht zu jemandem haben' (to have a good connection with someone) is a fixed expression. It sounds more personal and somewhat more colloquial. It means that you get along well with someone or have easy access to that person. The words can be confused because both can describe contacts. For general contacts, 'Verbindung' fits. For a good personal relationship, 'ein guter Draht' is appropriate.
Draht
Frau Hofmann hat einen guten Draht zu den neuen Kollegen.
Ms. Hofmann has a good connection with the new colleagues.
Verbindung
Durch seine Verbindung zur Behörde bekam Herr Kaya schnell die nötige Auskunft.
Through his connection to the authority, Mr. Kaya quickly got the information he needed.
In real life
Loading video examples...