die Fibel
primer
A textbook that children use to learn to read and write, especially in their first years of school.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder übten das Lesen mit einer bunten Fibel.
The children practiced reading with a colorful primer.
die Fibel
primer / brooch
die Fibel, die Fibeln
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Meanings
die Fibel
introductory textbook
A simple introductory book or textbook for beginners in a particular subject.
EXAMPLE
Die Fibel der Fotografie erklärt die wichtigsten Grundlagen.
The introductory textbook on photography explains the most important basics.
die Fibel
brooch
An ancient garment clasp or brooch used to hold pieces of clothing together.
EXAMPLE
Im Museum ist eine römische Fibel aus Bronze ausgestellt.
A Roman bronze brooch is on display in the museum.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Fibel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Fibeln |
| genitive | der Fibel |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Fibel | die Fibeln |
| accusative | die Fibel | die Fibeln |
| dative | der Fibel | den Fibeln |
| genitive | der Fibel | der Fibeln |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
In a school context, 'Fibel' (primer) usually refers to a book used to teach children to read. When used with a subject area, it often means a simple introductory book; words such as 'römisch' (Roman), 'bronzezeitlich' (Bronze Age), or 'Museum' (museum), on the other hand, point to the historical garment clasp.
EXAMPLE
In der ersten Klasse arbeiten die Kinder mit einer Fibel.
In first grade, the children work with a primer.
Wer sich für Astronomie interessiert, findet in dieser Fibel einen leichten Einstieg.
Anyone interested in astronomy will find an accessible introduction in this primer.
Bei den Ausgrabungen fand man eine bronzezeitliche Fibel.
A Bronze Age brooch was found during the excavations.
Typical collocations
In a school context, 'Fibel' (primer) often occurs with verbs and expressions related to learning to read, such as 'mit einer Fibel lesen lernen' (to learn to read with a primer), 'in der Fibel lesen' (to read from the primer), or 'Übungen aus der Fibel machen' (to do exercises from the primer).
EXAMPLE
Die Lehrerin lässt die Kinder jeden Morgen in der Fibel lesen.
The teacher has the children read from the primer every morning.
Introductory book
In this sense, 'Fibel' (primer) is often used in a phrase referring to a subject or activity. Common examples include 'Fibel der Fotografie' (photography primer), 'Fibel des Programmierens' (programming primer), and 'Fibel zum wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten' (primer on academic research and writing).
EXAMPLE
Für den Kurs habe ich eine Fibel zum wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten gekauft.
I bought a primer on academic research and writing for the course.
Archaeological context
The historical sense occurs particularly in archaeological texts and museum descriptions. In these contexts, the word often appears alongside references to time periods, discovery sites, or materials.
EXAMPLE
Die eiserne Fibel stammt aus einem keltischen Grab.
The iron brooch comes from a Celtic grave.
In real life
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