01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
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
'die Leitung' and 'das Kabel' can both mean something through which electricity or data flows. 'Das Kabel' is usually a concrete, flexible object with insulation that you can see and touch, for example on a computer or charger. 'Die Leitung' is more general. It can be a cable, but also a permanently installed connection in a wall or in the ground. The words can be confused because a cable can be a kind of line. If you mean the individual object, 'Kabel' sounds more natural; if you mean the connection or the system, 'Leitung' often fits better.
Kabel
Tom steckt das Kabel in den Laptop, weil der Akku fast leer ist.
Tom plugs the cable into the laptop because the battery is almost dead.
Leitung
Nach dem Sturm war die Leitung zum Internet mehrere Stunden gestört.
After the storm, the internet line was down for several hours.
In real life
Loading video examples...