das Hufeisen
horseshoe
A U-shaped piece of iron that is nailed onto a horse's hoof for protection.
EXAMPLE
Der Schmied musste dem Pferd ein neues Hufeisen anpassen.
The blacksmith had to fit the horse with a new horseshoe.
das Hufeisen
horseshoe
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Meanings
das Hufeisen
horseshoe
An object in the shape of a horseshoe that is often considered a good-luck charm.
EXAMPLE
Viele hängen sich ein Hufeisen mit der Öffnung nach oben über die Tür, weil es Glück bringen soll.
Many people hang a horseshoe with the opening facing upward above the door because it is supposed to bring good luck.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound of 'Huf' (the hoof of a horse) and 'Eisen' (iron). So it is literally a piece of iron for the hoof.
EXAMPLE
Ein Pferd, das auf harten Wegen läuft, braucht ein Hufeisen zum Schutz.
A horse that walks on hard paths needs a horseshoe for protection.
Typical verbs
In connection with horses, a horseshoe is 'aufgenagelt' (nailed on) or 'angepasst' (fitted) by a blacksmith. A horse can also 'verlieren' (lose) a horseshoe. The whole process is called 'das Pferd beschlagen' (to shoe the horse).
EXAMPLE
Mein Pferd hat gestern beim Ausritt ein Hufeisen verloren.
My horse lost a horseshoe yesterday during the ride.
Cultural context
As a good-luck charm, a horseshoe is traditionally hung with the opening facing upward. The superstition says that luck is 'aufgefangen' (caught) this way and cannot fall out.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat mir ein kleines Hufeisen als Glücksbringer für die Prüfung geschenkt.
She gave me a small horseshoe as a good-luck charm for the exam.
In real life
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