caliber
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caliber
The inner diameter of the barrel of a firearm or the diameter of a projectile.
Die Polizei fand am Tatort eine Patrone vom Kaliber 9 Millimeter.
The police found a 9-millimeter caliber cartridge at the crime scene.
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.
Die Polizei fand eine Patrone von seltenem Kaliber.
The police found a cartridge of a rare caliber.
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).
Ein Künstler von seinem Kaliber stellt nur selten aus.
An artist of his caliber rarely exhibits.
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.
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.
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).
Die Pistole hatte das Kaliber 7,65.
The pistol was caliber 7.65.
class
'Klasse' and 'Kaliber' can both express that someone or something has a certain level. 'Klasse' can generally mean a quality level and is also used colloquially as praise. 'Kaliber' is used figuratively especially for people who stand out because of their ability, strength, or importance. 'Kaliber' often sounds a bit more figurative and stronger. With people, for example, you say 'ein Spieler dieses Kalibers' (a player of this caliber) when you want to emphasize their special quality.
Ein Trainer dieses Kalibers bekommt schnell Angebote von großen Vereinen.
A coach of this caliber quickly gets offers from big clubs.
Die neue Kamera ist wirklich Klasse und macht sehr scharfe Bilder.
The new camera is really great and takes very sharp pictures.