lever
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lever
A rod or tool with which, by applying force at one point, you can create greater force at another point in order to lift or move something heavy.
Mit einem langen Hebel konnte er den Felsbrocken aus dem Weg rollen.
With a long lever, he was able to roll the boulder out of the way.
lever
A handle or switch on a machine or device that triggers or controls a function when moved.
Um den Sitz zu verstellen, musst du den Hebel an der Seite ziehen.
To adjust the seat, you have to pull the lever on the side.
lever
A means or method for exerting influence and achieving a specific goal. It is often used figuratively for a means of pressure or a way to exert influence.
Die neuen Zölle sollen als wirtschaftlicher Hebel in den Verhandlungen dienen.
The new tariffs are intended to serve as an economic lever in the negotiations.
to pull out all the stops
To do everything possible and use all available means to achieve a goal.
Wir werden alle Hebel in Bewegung setzen, um die Frist noch einzuhalten.
We will pull out all the stops to still meet the deadline.
leverage
In finance, the effect by which a small amount of one's own capital can be used to control a multiple of borrowed capital, thereby multiplying potential gains, but also losses.
Durch den hohen Hebel des Finanzprodukts sind sowohl große Gewinne als auch ein Totalverlust möglich.
Because of the financial product's high leverage, both large gains and a total loss are possible.
The noun 'der Hebel' (the lever) is closely related to the verb 'heben' (to lift). A 'Hebel' (lever) is originally a tool that helps lift heavy things more easily.
Er konnte die schwere Kiste nicht allein heben.
He couldn't lift the heavy crate by himself.
Pay attention to the context to understand the meaning. If it is about a tool or a machine, the literal meaning is intended. In discussions about politics or economics, the figurative meaning 'Einflussmittel' (means of influence) is often intended.
Er benutzte einen Hebel, um die Tür aufzubrechen.
He used a lever to break open the door.
When 'Hebel' (lever) is a control element on a device, it is often combined with the verbs 'ziehen' (to pull), 'drücken' (to press), or 'umlegen' (to flip/switch).
Um die Maschine zu starten, müssen Sie den roten Hebel nach unten drücken.
To start the machine, you must press the red lever down.
In a figurative sense, people often say that someone has 'den längeren Hebel' (the longer lever). This means that they have more power or influence in a situation.
In den Verhandlungen saß die Firma am längeren Hebel.
In the negotiations, the company held the stronger position.
The idiom 'alle Hebel in Bewegung setzen' (to pull out all the stops) is a fixed expression. It means that you do everything possible to achieve a goal.
Die Organisatoren setzten alle Hebel in Bewegung, um das Konzert doch noch stattfinden zu lassen.
The organizers pulled out all the stops to make sure the concert could still take place.
In a financial context, 'der Hebel' (leverage) is a technical term. It describes the so-called leverage effect, in which a small amount of capital is used to achieve a large effect.
Beim Handel mit Derivaten kann ein hoher Hebel zu schnellen Gewinnen führen.
When trading derivatives, high leverage can lead to quick gains.
weapon
“Waffe” and “Hebel” can figuratively refer to a means of gaining influence in a conflict. “Waffe” emphasizes confrontational use against the opposing side. “Hebel” highlights the point of leverage through which pressure is applied and change is to be achieved.
Die Initiative nutzt den öffentlichen Druck als Hebel, um die Stadtverwaltung zum Einlenken zu bewegen.
The initiative is using public pressure as leverage to persuade the city administration to back down.
Die Initiative nutzt den öffentlichen Druck als Waffe gegen die Stadtverwaltung.
The initiative is using public pressure as a weapon against the city administration.
