das Kaliber
caliber
The inner diameter of the barrel of a firearm or the diameter of a projectile.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei fand am Tatort eine Patrone vom Kaliber 9 Millimeter.
The police found a 9-millimeter caliber cartridge at the crime scene.
das Kaliber
caliber
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Meanings
das Kaliber
caliber
Used figuratively to describe the importance, ability, or quality of a person.
EXAMPLE
Für diese komplexe Aufgabe brauchen wir einen Experten von seinem Kaliber.
For this complex task, we need an expert of his caliber.
das Kaliber
diameter
The diameter of tubes, wires, or similar cylindrical objects.
EXAMPLE
Für die Wasserleitung müssen wir ein Rohr mit größerem Kaliber verwenden.
For the water line, we need to use a pipe with a larger diameter.
Usage tips
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Kaliber' (caliber) from the context. If it is about weapons or crime, it refers to the diameter. If people are being discussed, it is about their abilities. In technical contexts, it refers to the diameter of pipes or wires.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei fand eine Patrone von seltenem Kaliber.
The police found a cartridge of a rare caliber.
Figurative use
In the figurative meaning for people, 'Kaliber' (caliber) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' (of). Typical expressions are 'ein Experte von diesem Kaliber' (an expert of this caliber) or 'eine Persönlichkeit von seinem Kaliber' (a personality of his caliber).
EXAMPLE
Ein Künstler von seinem Kaliber stellt nur selten aus.
An artist of his caliber rarely exhibits.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ein anderes Kaliber sein' (to be a different caliber) is often used to express that someone or something is at a much higher level or has significantly greater abilities.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Spieler ist ein ganz anderes Kaliber als der Rest der Mannschaft.
The new player is in a completely different league from the rest of the team.
Use with weapons
In connection with firearms, 'Kaliber' (caliber) is often combined directly with a measurement such as millimeters. For example, you say 'Kaliber 9 Millimeter' (9-millimeter caliber).
EXAMPLE
Die Pistole hatte das Kaliber 7,65.
The pistol was caliber 7.65.
Compare with
Kaliber vs Klasse
class
„Klasse“ and „Kaliber“ can both describe a person’s quality. „Klasse“ refers more to the level of performance achieved, while „Kaliber“ characterizes the person as particularly important, capable, or effective.
Kaliber
Die neue Stürmerin ist eine Spielerin von internationalem Kaliber.
The new striker is a player of international caliber.
Klasse
Die neue Stürmerin zeigt bereits internationale Klasse.
The new striker is already showing international class.
In real life
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