das Glied
link
A single part of a larger whole that consists of several similar parts, such as in a chain or a series.
EXAMPLE
Ein schwaches Glied kann die ganze Kette reißen lassen.
One weak link can cause the whole chain to break.
das Glied
member / limb / link
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Meanings
das Glied
limb
A body part, especially arms and legs. Often used in the plural, 'die Glieder' (the limbs).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung schmerzten ihm alle Glieder.
After the long hike, all his limbs ached.
das Glied
penis
A term for the male sexual organ.
EXAMPLE
Im Biologieunterricht wird auch der Aufbau des männlichen Glieds besprochen.
In biology class, the structure of the male penis is also discussed.
das Glied
member
An outdated term for a member of an organization, community, or family.
EXAMPLE
Er fühlte sich als vollwertiges Glied der Gesellschaft.
He felt like a full-fledged member of society.
das Glied
sentence element
A component of a sentence in grammar. Synonym for Satzglied (sentence element).
EXAMPLE
Das Prädikat ist ein zentrales Glied im deutschen Satz.
The predicate is a central element in the German sentence.
Usage tips
Word family
The different meanings of 'Glied' can be derived from the basic idea of 'part of a whole.' Related words are 'gliedern' (to organize something into parts) and 'das Mitglied' (a person as part of a group).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma ist in verschiedene Abteilungen gegliedert.
The company is divided into different departments.
Context clue
The meaning 'male sexual organ' is very common in everyday language. Learners should be aware of this meaning to avoid misunderstandings when the word is used without clear context.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt fragte nach Schmerzen am Glied.
The doctor asked about pain in the penis.
Use in the plural
When people talk about 'den Gliedern' (the limbs, plural), they almost always mean the arms and legs. This form is often used in connection with pain, tiredness, or cold.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Gartenarbeit taten mir alle Glieder weh.
After gardening, all my limbs hurt.
Fixed expression
The expression 'das schwächste Glied in der Kette' (the weakest link in the chain) is very common. It describes the most error-prone or weakest part of a system, group, or process.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Projekt ist die veraltete Software das schwächste Glied in der Kette.
In this project, the outdated software is the weakest link in the chain.
Technical grammar term
In the context of linguistics, 'Glied' or 'Satzglied' refers to a functional part of a sentence, such as the subject, predicate, or object.
EXAMPLE
In der Analyse bestimmen wir die einzelnen Glieder des Satzes.
In the analysis, we identify the individual elements of the sentence.
Register: outdated
The meaning 'member of a community' is outdated today. It is found mainly in historical, literary, or very formal texts.
EXAMPLE
Er betrachtete sich als nützliches Glied der Gemeinschaft.
He saw himself as a useful member of the community.
Compare with
Glied vs Teil
part
Teil is the general term for a section or piece of a whole. Glied more specifically refers to one of several similar components in a chain or series. In the case of a chain, a link can therefore also be called a Teil, but Glied names its special function.
Glied
Das rostige Glied der Kette muss ersetzt werden.
The rusty link in the chain must be replaced.
Teil
Der rostige Teil der Kette muss ersetzt werden.
The rusty part of the chain must be replaced.
In real life
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