die Eiche
oak
A large, long-lived deciduous tree with characteristically shaped leaves and acorns as its fruit.
EXAMPLE
Unter der alten Eiche im Park machen wir oft ein Picknick.
We often have a picnic under the old oak in the park.
die Eiche
oak
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Meanings
die Eiche
oak
The hard and durable wood of the oak tree, often used for furniture, floors, and barrels.
EXAMPLE
Der Tisch ist aus massiver Eiche gefertigt und sehr stabil.
The table is made of solid oak and is very sturdy.
Usage tips
Cultural context
The oak has strong symbolic meaning in German culture. It stands for strength, longevity, and stability and is sometimes referred to as the 'deutsche Eiche' (German oak).
EXAMPLE
Das Eichenblatt war früher auf deutschen Münzen abgebildet.
The oak leaf used to be depicted on German coins.
Context clue
The context tells you whether the tree or the wood is meant. If people are talking about nature, gardens, or forests, they mean the tree. If it is about furniture, floors, or materials, they mean the wood.
EXAMPLE
Im Herbst fallen die Blätter von der Eiche.
In autumn, the leaves fall from the oak.
Word composition
'Eiche' (oak) is often the first part of compound nouns. These usually refer to parts of the tree or products made from its wood, such as 'das Eichenblatt' (the oak leaf), 'der Eichenwald' (the oak forest), or 'das Eichenfass' (the oak barrel).
EXAMPLE
Der Wein reifte mehrere Jahre in einem Eichenfass.
The wine matured for several years in an oak barrel.
Typical collocations
When referring to the wood, typical combinations are 'aus massiver Eiche' (made of solid oak) or 'aus Eiche gefertigt' (crafted from oak). A well-known, somewhat old-fashioned furnishing style is called 'Eiche rustikal' (rustic oak).
EXAMPLE
Die Kommode ist aus massiver Eiche und daher sehr schwer.
The chest of drawers is made of solid oak and is therefore very heavy.
Compare with
Eiche vs Eichenholz
oak wood
Die Eiche and das Eichenholz can both refer to the wood of the oak tree. Eichenholz clearly names the material, whereas Eiche usually means the tree and is used for its wood only in certain material descriptions. When a clear designation of the material is needed, Eichenholz is especially appropriate.
Eiche
Der Schreiner fertigt den Tisch aus massiver Eiche.
The carpenter makes the table from solid oak.
Eichenholz
Der Schreiner verwendet für den Tisch massives Eichenholz.
The carpenter uses solid oak wood for the table.
In real life
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