01
das Glöckchen
little bell
The diminutive form of 'Glocke' (bell); a very small bell that produces a high, delicate sound.
example
Die Katze trug ein kleines Glöckchen am Halsband.
The cat wore a little bell on its collar.
das Glöckchen
little bell
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure: diminutive
'Glöckchen' is the diminutive form of 'die Glocke' (bell). The ending '-chen' makes the noun neuter (das) and often adds an umlaut (o → ö).
EXAMPLE
Aus dem kleinen Haus wurde durch den Anbau ein Häuschen.
With the extension, the small house became a little house.
Typical collocations
A small Glöckchen (little bell) is often used with the verb 'klingeln' (to ring) or 'bimmeln' (to jingle/ring). You often find it in phrases like 'ein Glöckchen am Halsband' (a little bell on the collar) or 'das Klingeln eines Glöckchens' (the ringing of a little bell).
EXAMPLE
Der Weihnachtsmann bimmelte mit seinem goldenen Glöckchen.
Santa Claus jingled his golden little bell.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'Pflanze' (plant) from the botanical context. The word often appears together with verbs like 'blühen' (to bloom) or location phrases like 'im Garten' (in the garden) or 'auf der Wiese' (in the meadow). Usually, it is part of a name like 'Schneeglöckchen' (snowdrop).
EXAMPLE
Die ersten Schneeglöckchen blühen schon im Februar.
The first snowdrops are already blooming in February.
Compare with
Glöckchen vs Glocke
bell
'Glocke' and 'Glöckchen' can both refer to a small or large metal instrument that makes a sound when struck or moved. 'Glocke' is the normal word and is especially suitable for larger bells, for example in a tower. 'Glöckchen' is the diminutive form and means a very small bell with a more delicate sound. Learners may confuse the words because 'Glöckchen' comes directly from 'Glocke'. If the size or delicate sound is important, 'Glöckchen' sounds more natural; otherwise, you usually use 'Glocke'.
Glöckchen
Das Glöckchen am Hals der Katze klingelt bei jedem Schritt.
The little bell around the cat's neck jingles with every step.
Glocke
Am Abend hört man die Glocke der alten Kirche im ganzen Dorf.
In the evening, you can hear the bell of the old church throughout the whole village.
In real life
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