notch
die Kerbe, die Kerben
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notch
A V-shaped or U-shaped cut in the surface of a material, often used as a mark or for counting.
Für jeden erledigten Tag ritzte der Gefangene eine weitere Kerbe in die Wand seiner Zelle.
For every day completed, the prisoner scratched another notch into the wall of his cell.
to say the same
A fixed expression meaning that someone holds the same opinion, makes the same argument, or supports someone’s statement.
Auch der zweite Redner schlug in die gleiche Kerbe und forderte eine sofortige Reform.
The second speaker also said the same thing and called for immediate reform.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kerben |
| genitive | der Kerbe |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Kerbe | die Kerben |
| accusative | die Kerbe | die Kerben |
| dative | der Kerbe | den Kerben |
| genitive | der Kerbe | der Kerben |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The noun 'die Kerbe' (notch) is derived directly from the verb 'kerben' (to notch / to make a cut). If you know what 'kerben' means, you can easily work out the meaning of 'Kerbe'.
Er kerbte seinen Namen in die Baumrinde.
He carved his name into the tree bark.
To describe the creation of a notch, the verbs 'ritzen' (to scratch), 'schnitzen' (to carve), or 'schneiden' (to cut) are often used. The action is usually precise and intentional.
Mit seinem Messer schnitzte er eine kleine Kerbe in den Ast.
With his knife, he carved a small notch into the branch.
The idiom 'in die gleiche Kerbe schlagen' (to strike the same notch) is very common. It means that someone expresses the same opinion or supports an argument. The wording is largely fixed.
Die Finanzministerin schlug in die gleiche Kerbe wie der Kanzler und sprach sich für Sparmaßnahmen aus.
The finance minister said the same thing as the chancellor and spoke in favor of austerity measures.
turning point / cut
Both words can describe an indentation in a surface. An Einschnitt is the more general term for a cut that has been made and can also be larger, while a Kerbe is typically a narrow V- or U-shaped indentation. Kerbe is usually the better choice for a small mark.
Für die Markierung schnitt der Handwerker eine schmale Kerbe in das Brett.
To mark it, the craftsman cut a narrow notch into the board.
Für die Reparatur machte der Handwerker einen tiefen Einschnitt in das Brett.
For the repair, the craftsman made a deep cut in the board.
