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
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Meanings
einen (guten) Draht zu jemandem haben
to have a good connection
To have a good personal or professional relationship with someone, which is often useful.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat einen guten Draht zu ihrer Chefin und wird oft bei wichtigen Entscheidungen gefragt.
She has a good connection with her boss and is often asked about important decisions.
auf Draht sein
to be on the ball
Informal for being mentally alert, quick to react, and well informed.
EXAMPLE
Nach zwei Tassen Kaffee bin ich morgens wieder voll auf Draht.
After two cups of coffee, I'm fully on the ball again in the morning.
die Drähte ziehen
to pull the strings
To secretly exercise control over a situation or other people; to have the real power behind the scenes.
EXAMPLE
Offiziell ist er nur ein Berater, aber jeder weiß, dass er im Hintergrund die Drähte zieht.
Officially, he's only an advisor, but everyone knows that he's pulling the strings in the background.
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 Leitung
management / line
An electrical Leitung is an installed connection that carries electricity and may consist of a cable. Draht, by contrast, refers to a single thin, flexible strand of metal. Use Leitung for the entire installed connection and Draht for the specific piece of metal.
Draht
Für den Anschluss biegt der Elektriker einen dünnen Draht aus Kupfer.
For the connection, the electrician bends a thin copper wire.
Leitung
Für die neue Steckdose verlegt der Elektriker eine Leitung durch die Wand.
For the new outlet, the electrician is running a line through the wall.
In real life
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