handcuff
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handcuff
A pair of connected metal rings used by the police to restrain a person's wrists. Usually used in the plural.
Der Polizist legte dem Dieb die Handschellen an.
The police officer put the handcuffs on the thief.
The word is made up of 'Hand' (hand) and 'Schelle' (shackle/clamp). 'Schelle' is an old word for a ring or clamp. A 'Handschelle' (handcuff) is therefore literally a restraining ring for the hands.
Die Handschellen sind aus stabilem Metall gefertigt.
The handcuffs are made of strong metal.
Although the singular form 'die Handschelle' (the handcuff) exists, the word is almost always used in the plural 'die Handschellen' (the handcuffs). This is because they consist of a pair of two connected rings.
Der Verdächtige trug Handschellen, als er aus dem Polizeiauto stieg.
The suspect was wearing handcuffs when he got out of the police car.
The most common verbs used in connection with handcuffs are 'anlegen' (to put on) and 'abführen' (to lead away/take away). The police 'legen' einem Verdächtigen Handschellen 'an' (put handcuffs on a suspect) and then 'führen' ihn 'ab' (take him away).
Dem Einbrecher wurden sofort Handschellen angelegt.
Handcuffs were put on the burglar immediately.
slap / clamp / jingle bell
'Handschelle' and 'Schelle' look similar, but they usually do not mean the same thing. 'Handschellen' are the metal rings that the police can use to restrain a person's wrists; the word is usually used in the plural. 'Schelle' can be something completely different: colloquially a slap in the face, a metal clamp, or a small bell. Learners may confuse the words because 'Schelle' is part of 'Handschelle'. But for police and restraints, you say 'Handschellen', not simply 'Schelle'.
Die Polizei legte dem Verdächtigen vor dem Auto Handschellen an.
The police put handcuffs on the suspect in front of the car.
Am Halsband der Katze hängt eine kleine Schelle.
A small bell hangs from the cat's collar.