die Glocke
bell
A cup-shaped metal instrument that produces a loud sound when struck and is often found in church towers.
EXAMPLE
Jeden Mittag um zwölf Uhr läutet die Glocke der Dorfkirche.
Every day at noon, the bell of the village church rings.
die Glocke
bell
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Meanings
die Glocke
cover / cloche
A dome-shaped cover often used to protect food or keep it warm, e.g. a cheese cover.
EXAMPLE
Der Kellner hob die silberne Glocke vom Teller und präsentierte das Gericht.
The waiter lifted the silver cloche from the plate and presented the dish.
an die große Glocke hängen
to make public
To make something publicly known or spread it around, when it might have been better kept secret.
EXAMPLE
Du musst deine Beförderung nicht gleich an die große Glocke hängen.
You don't have to make your promotion public right away.
Usage tips
Context clue
The verb gives you a clue to the meaning. If a 'Glocke' (bell) 'läutet' (rings) or 'schlägt' (strikes), the instrument is meant. If you 'hebt' (lift) a 'Glocke' (cover/cloche), it is a cover. The expression 'an die große Glocke hängen' (to make something public) is a fixed idiom.
EXAMPLE
Hörst du die Glocken von der Kathedrale läuten?
Can you hear the bells from the cathedral ringing?
Typical verbs
When referring to the instrument, the typical verbs are 'läuten' (to ring regularly), 'schlagen' (to strike at a certain time), and 'klingen' (to sound, referring to the sound itself).
EXAMPLE
Die Uhr am Turm schlägt jede volle Stunde.
The clock on the tower strikes every full hour.
Typical compounds
In the meaning of 'Abdeckung' (cover), the word is often used in compounds that describe the purpose more precisely. Common examples are 'die Käseglocke' (cheese cover) or 'die Glasglocke' (glass dome).
EXAMPLE
Stell bitte die Käseglocke zurück in den Kühlschrank.
Please put the cheese cover back in the refrigerator.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'etwas an die große Glocke hängen' (to make something public) is a fixed unit. It means to tell information everywhere unnecessarily or boastfully.
EXAMPLE
Es ist nur eine kleine Gehaltserhöhung, das muss ich nicht an die große Glocke hängen.
It's only a small raise; I don't need to make it public.
Compare with
Glocke vs Haube
cap / hood
Glocke and Haube can both refer to something that covers an object for protection. When referring to food, Glocke specifically describes a dome- or bell-shaped cover, such as one that protects cheese. Haube is more general and can also refer to a protective cover of a different shape for a container or appliance.
Glocke
Sie stellt eine gläserne Glocke über den Käse, damit er geschützt bleibt.
She places a glass cloche over the cheese to keep it protected.
Haube
Sie zieht eine weiche Haube über die Schüssel, damit der Inhalt geschützt bleibt.
She pulls a soft cover over the bowl to keep its contents protected.
In real life
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