der Kamm
comb
An object with a row of teeth or prongs used to arrange, detangle, or style hair.
EXAMPLE
Hast du einen Kamm für mich? Meine Haare sind vom Wind ganz zerzaust.
Do you have a comb for me? My hair is completely tousled from the wind.
der Kamm
comb / ridge / crest
der Kamm, die Kämme
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Meanings
der Kamm
ridge
The highest, often narrow line of a mountain or mountain range; a mountain ridge.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem anstrengenden Aufstieg erreichten die Wanderer endlich den Kamm des Berges und genossen die Aussicht.
After a strenuous climb, the hikers finally reached the ridge of the mountain and enjoyed the view.
der Kamm
comb
The red, fleshy flap of skin on the head of chickens and related birds, especially a rooster.
EXAMPLE
Der Hahn reckte stolz seinen leuchtend roten Kamm in die Höhe.
The rooster proudly stretched his bright red comb upward.
der Kamm
crest
The highest point of a water wave, just before it breaks.
EXAMPLE
Der Surfer ritt geschickt auf dem Kamm der riesigen Welle.
The surfer skillfully rode on the crest of the huge wave.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Kamm, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kämme |
| genitive | des Kamms |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kamm | die Kämme |
| accusative | den Kamm | die Kämme |
| dative | dem Kamm | den Kämmen |
| genitive | des Kamms des Kammes | der Kämme |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Shared basic idea
All meanings of 'Kamm' (comb / ridge / crest) describe a structure with a narrow, often jagged or raised upper edge. Whether with hair, mountains, waves, or animals, the shape is the connecting idea.
EXAMPLE
Vom Kamm des Gebirges hatten wir eine fantastische Aussicht.
From the ridge of the mountain range, we had a fantastic view.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'alle über einen Kamm scheren' means to treat all people or things the same and not make distinctions, often in a negative, unfair sense.
EXAMPLE
Man kann nicht alle Politiker über einen Kamm scheren, es gibt auch engagierte Leute.
You can't tar all politicians with the same brush; there are also dedicated people.
Related verb
The verb that goes with the noun 'der Kamm' (the comb) is 'kämmen' (to comb). It is usually used reflexively: 'sich (die Haare) kämmen' (to comb one's hair).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mir noch schnell die Haare kämmen, bevor wir gehen.
I still have to quickly comb my hair before we go.
Typical preposition
In the meaning 'Bergrücken' (mountain ridge), the preposition 'auf' is almost always used. You hike 'auf dem Kamm' (on the ridge, position) or climb 'auf den Kamm' (onto the ridge, direction).
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderung auf dem Kamm war anstrengend, aber wunderschön.
The hike on the ridge was exhausting but beautiful.
Compare with
Kamm vs Rücken
back
For mountains, Rücken refers to a longer, relatively broad ridge. Kamm specifically refers to its upper, often narrow line. Kamm is more precise for the narrow line at the highest point, while Rücken refers to the broader, elongated form.
Kamm
Der schmale Kamm des Berges zieht sich weit nach Norden.
The mountain's narrow crest stretches far to the north.
Rücken
Der breite Rücken des Berges zieht sich weit nach Norden.
The mountain's broad ridge stretches far to the north.
In real life
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