das Kästchen
small box
A small, often lockable container or small box used for storing objects.
EXAMPLE
Sie bewahrt ihren alten Schmuck in einem hölzernen Kästchen auf.
She keeps her old jewelry in a small wooden box.
das Kästchen
small box / checkbox / square
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Meanings
das Kästchen
checkbox
A small, usually square field on a form or screen that you can check or fill in (checkbox).
EXAMPLE
Wenn Sie den Newsletter abonnieren möchten, setzen Sie bitte ein Häkchen in das entsprechende Kästchen.
If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter, please put a check mark in the corresponding checkbox.
das Kästchen
square
One of the fields in a grid pattern, for example on graph paper or a game board.
EXAMPLE
Beim Schach darf pro Kästchen nur eine Figur stehen.
In chess, only one piece may stand on each square.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Kästchen' (small box / checkbox / square) is the diminutive form of 'der Kasten' (box/crate/container). The ending '-chen' makes the word neuter ('das') and means 'small box'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat einen großen Kasten für Werkzeug und ein kleines Kästchen für Schrauben.
He has a large box for tools and a small box for screws.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'checkbox', 'Kästchen' (checkbox) is very often used with the verbs 'ankreuzen' (to check/tick) or 'auswählen' (to select). A common phrase is also 'ein Häkchen in das Kästchen setzen' (to put a check mark in the checkbox).
EXAMPLE
Bitte kreuzen Sie alle zutreffenden Kästchen an.
Please check all applicable boxes.
Usage in context
When referring to a small container, 'Kästchen' (small box) is often combined with verbs such as 'aufbewahren' (to keep/store), 'verstauen' (to stow away), or 'öffnen' (to open). Adjectives such as 'hölzern' (wooden), 'alt' (old), or 'geheimnisvoll' (mysterious) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Kästchen auf dem Dachboden fanden wir Liebesbriefe von unserem Großvater.
In the old small box in the attic, we found love letters from our grandfather.
Context: grids and patterns
The meaning 'field in a grid' can be recognized from the context of games, patterns, or paper. Typical formulations are 'ein Kästchen ausmalen' (to color in a square) or 'etwas in ein Kästchen schreiben' (to write something in a square/box).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder malten die Kästchen auf dem karierten Papier in verschiedenen Farben aus.
The children colored the squares on the graph paper in different colors.
In real life
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