trowel / ladle
Loading your saved state.
trowel
A mason’s tool with a flat blade and a handle, used for applying and smoothing mortar or plaster.
Der Maurer verstrich den Mörtel mit einer schnellen Bewegung seiner Kelle auf dem Ziegelstein.
The mason spread the mortar onto the brick with a quick movement of his trowel.
ladle
A large, bowl-shaped spoon with a long handle, used for scooping and serving soups, sauces, or stews.
Kannst du mir bitte noch eine Kelle von der Gulaschsuppe geben?
Could you please give me another ladleful of the goulash soup?
stop sign paddle
A round signal disc with a handle, used by the police or on the railway to stop traffic.
Der Polizist trat auf die Straße und hob die Kelle, um das Auto anzuhalten.
The police officer stepped into the street and raised the stop paddle to stop the car.
The word 'Kelle' has three very different meanings. The context always makes clear what is meant: construction work (mason’s tool), kitchen (soup ladle), or traffic (police signal).
Gib mir mal bitte die Kelle, aber nicht die für die Suppe!
Please pass me the Kelle, but not the one for the soup!
In this meaning, the 'Kelle' (trowel) is part of the toolkit of masons and plasterers. It is used to apply and spread mortar or plaster.
Der Handwerker glättete den frischen Putz an der Wand mit seiner Kelle.
The craftsman smoothed the fresh plaster on the wall with his trowel.
In the kitchen, the 'Kelle' (ladle) is a large serving spoon. It is typically used for liquid or mushy foods such as soup or sauce.
Er nahm eine große Kelle Eintopf aus dem Topf.
He took a large ladleful of stew from the pot.
In this context, the 'Kelle' (stop paddle) is a stop signal, usually used by the police. Typical verbs are 'die Kelle heben' (to raise the stop paddle) or 'herauswinken' (to wave someone over / out of traffic).
Als der Polizist die Kelle hob, musste der LKW-Fahrer rechts ranfahren.
When the police officer raised the stop paddle, the truck driver had to pull over to the right.
