das Feuerzeug
lighter
A small, portable device for producing a flame, usually powered by gas or gasoline.
EXAMPLE
Er zündete sich mit einem alten Feuerzeug eine Zigarette an.
He lit a cigarette with an old lighter.
das Feuerzeug
lighter
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Feuerzeug' is made up of 'das Feuer' (fire) and 'das Zeug' (stuff/equipment). Here, 'Zeug' means 'device' or 'tool', so the word literally describes a 'fire device'.
EXAMPLE
Mein Feuerzeug ist leer, ich muss es nachfüllen.
My lighter is empty; I need to refill it.
The ending '-zeug'
The ending '-zeug' in German often indicates devices, tools, or a collection of things. Other examples are 'Werkzeug' (tool), 'Spielzeug' (toy), or 'Flugzeug' (airplane).
EXAMPLE
Er packte sein Schreibzeug ein: Stifte, Papier und ein Notizbuch.
He packed his writing things: pens, paper, and a notebook.
Typical expression
If you want to ask someone for a lighter, colloquially you often ask briefly: 'Hast du mal Feuer?' (Got a light?). This does not literally mean fire, but a lighter.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, haben Sie mal Feuer?
Excuse me, do you have a light?
In real life
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