das Kabel
cable
A flexible, insulated line used to transmit electric current or data.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir dein Ladekabel leihen? Mein Akku ist fast leer.
Can you lend me your charging cable? My battery is almost empty.
das Kabel
cable
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Meanings
das Kabel
cable
A very thick and strong rope, often made of steel, used for lifting heavy loads or bracing structures such as bridges.
EXAMPLE
Die Hängebrücke wird von zwei massiven Stahlkabeln getragen.
The suspension bridge is supported by two massive steel cables.
das Kabel
cable TV
A colloquial short form for cable television, meaning the reception of television programs via a cable network.
EXAMPLE
Seit wir Kabel haben, können wir viel mehr Sender empfangen.
Since we got cable, we can receive many more channels.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Kabel' from context. In a technical context (computer, phone), it means a line for electricity or data. In construction (bridges, cranes), it means a thick steel rope. In connection with television, it colloquially means cable television.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche ein längeres Kabel für meinen Monitor.
I need a longer cable for my monitor.
Typical compounds
In a technical context, 'Kabel' forms the basis for many useful words. This creates terms like 'Ladekabel' (charging cable), 'USB-Kabel' (USB cable), 'Stromkabel' (power cable), or 'Datenkabel' (data cable), which describe the purpose of the cable more precisely.
EXAMPLE
Fast jedes moderne Gerät wird über ein USB-Kabel aufgeladen.
Almost every modern device is charged via a USB cable.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used with electrical cables. Typical combinations are 'ein Kabel anschließen' (to connect a cable), 'ein Kabel verlegen' (to lay a cable), or 'ein Kabel einstecken' (to plug in a cable).
EXAMPLE
Der Elektriker hat im ganzen Haus neue Kabel verlegt.
The electrician laid new cables throughout the house.
Register
When 'Kabel' stands for 'Kabelfernsehen' (cable television), it is a colloquial shortening. In formal texts or technical language, people would more likely use 'Kabelanschluss' (cable connection) or 'Kabelfernsehen' (cable television).
EXAMPLE
Habt ihr bei euch zu Hause auch Kabel?
Do you have cable at home too?
Compare with
Kabel vs Leitung
management / line
Leitung and Kabel can both transmit electricity or data. Kabel refers to the specific flexible, insulated object. Leitung is broader and can mean the entire transmission route or a fixed installation. Kabel is therefore more precise for an individual flexible connection.
Kabel
Der Techniker ersetzt das Kabel zwischen der Dose und dem Router.
The technician replaces the cable between the wall socket and the router.
Leitung
Der Techniker prüft die Internetleitung bis zum Haus.
The technician checks the internet line up to the house.
In real life
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