das Gebiss
teeth
The complete set of teeth of a human or animal in the jaw.
EXAMPLE
Ein gesundes Gebiss erfordert regelmäßige Pflege und Zahnarztbesuche.
Healthy teeth require regular care and visits to the dentist.
das Gebiss
teeth / dentures / bit
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Meanings
das Gebiss
dentures
An artificial dental prosthesis that replaces missing teeth. Colloquially also called 'die dritten Zähne' (third teeth).
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter legt ihr Gebiss nachts immer in ein Glas Wasser.
My grandmother always puts her dentures in a glass of water at night.
das Gebiss
bit
The part of a horse's bridle that lies in the animal's mouth and is used for steering.
EXAMPLE
Der Reiter wählte ein sanftes Gebiss für das junge Pferd.
The rider chose a gentle bit for the young horse.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Gebiss' is related to the verb 'beißen' (to bite). The prefix 'Ge-' forms a collective noun here, as it often does in German. So das Gebiss is the complete set of teeth with which one bites.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund hat ein sehr kräftiges Gebiss.
The dog has very strong teeth.
Context clue
The context reveals which meaning is intended: In connection with 'Zahnarzt' (dentist) or 'Pflege' (care), it refers to natural teeth. With 'Großeltern' (grandparents) or 'reinigen' (to clean), artificial teeth are often meant. The word 'Pferd' (horse) or 'Reiten' (riding) points to the part of the bridle.
EXAMPLE
Der Zahnarzt kontrollierte das Gebiss des Jungen.
The dentist checked the boy's teeth.
Typical collocations
When referring to a dental prosthesis, 'Gebiss' (dentures) is often used with verbs such as 'tragen' (to wear), 'einsetzen' (to put in), 'herausnehmen' (to take out), or 'reinigen' (to clean). People also speak of a 'künstliches Gebiss' (artificial set of teeth).
EXAMPLE
Mein Opa trägt seit letztem Jahr ein Gebiss.
My grandpa has worn dentures since last year.
Compare with
Gebiss vs Zahnersatz
dental prosthesis
Both words refer to an artificial replacement for missing teeth. „Gebiss“ usually means a removable set of dentures, while „Zahnersatz“ is the broader term for various artificial devices. Use „Gebiss“ for dentures and „Zahnersatz“ when a crown, bridge, or implant may also be meant.
Gebiss
Nach dem Verlust vieler Zähne bekam sie ein herausnehmbares Gebiss.
After losing many teeth, she got removable dentures.
Zahnersatz
Nach dem Verlust eines Zahns bekam sie eine Brücke als Zahnersatz.
After losing a tooth, she got a bridge as a dental replacement.
In real life
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