triangle
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triangle
A geometric figure with three corners and three straight sides.
Im Mathematikunterricht haben wir gelernt, die Fläche eines Dreiecks zu berechnen.
In math class, we learned how to calculate the area of a triangle.
The word 'Dreieck' (triangle) is built very logically. It consists of 'drei' (three) and 'das Eck' (the corner). So it is literally a figure with three corners.
Ein Stoppschild hat acht Ecken, ein Vorfahrt-achten-Schild ist ein Dreieck.
A stop sign has eight corners; a yield sign is a triangle.
In geometry, a triangle is often described more precisely. Important adjectives are 'rechtwinklig' (right-angled, with a 90-degree angle), 'gleichseitig' (equilateral, all sides are the same length), and 'gleichschenklig' (isosceles, two sides are the same length).
Ein rechtwinkliges Dreieck hat eine Hypotenuse.
A right-angled triangle has a hypotenuse.
When 'Dreieck' (triangle) is used in connection with people, love, or relationships, it has the figurative meaning of a three-person constellation. The word 'Dreiecksbeziehung' (love triangle/three-way relationship) is often used.
Der Film handelt von einer komplizierten Dreiecksbeziehung.
The film is about a complicated love triangle.
In the context of cars, a breakdown, or an accident on the road, it refers to the warning triangle. It is part of the mandatory equipment in every car.
Er stellte das Warndreieck etwa 100 Meter hinter seinem Auto auf.
He set up the warning triangle about 100 meters behind his car.
When an orchestra, a concert, or musical instruments are being discussed, it refers to the percussion instrument. It produces a high, bright sound.
Das Kind durfte im Musikunterricht das Dreieck spielen.
The child was allowed to play the triangle in music class.
wedge
'das Dreieck' and 'der Keil' can both have a shape with a pointed side or three corners. However, a 'Dreieck' is mainly a flat geometric figure with three sides and three corners. A 'Keil' is usually an object or a shape that is wide on one side and tapers to a point on the other. It can be used for splitting or for wedging something in place. The words can be confused if you only think about the similar shape. For the purely geometric figure, you say 'Dreieck'; for a tool or a pointed, tapering object, you say 'Keil'.
Im Matheheft zeichnet Lisa ein Dreieck mit drei gleich langen Seiten.
In her math notebook, Lisa draws a triangle with three sides of equal length.
Mein Bruder legt einen Keil unter die Tür, damit sie offen bleibt.
My brother puts a wedge under the door so that it stays open.