flap / mouth
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flap
A movable part, often attached with a hinge, that closes an opening, e.g. on a box, stove, or mailbox.
Die Katze kann durch die kleine Klappe in der Tür ins Haus gelangen.
The cat can get into the house through the small flap in the door.
'Die Klappe' (flap / mouth) is related to the verb 'klappen'. 'Klappen' can mean 'to work/function', but it can also describe a movement, as in 'zusammenklappen' (to fold up) or 'aufklappen' (to open up/unfold).
Man kann den Laptop nach der Benutzung einfach zuklappen.
You can simply close the laptop after using it.
The use of 'Klappe' for 'Mund' (mouth) is very colloquial. The command 'Halt die Klappe!' (shut your mouth!) is direct and can come across as rude.
Sei still! Kannst du nicht einmal fünf Minuten die Klappe halten?
Be quiet! Can't you keep your mouth shut for even five minutes?
The idiom 'zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe schlagen' (to kill two birds with one stone) is very common. It means that you achieve two goals at the same time with a single action.
Wenn ich das Paket auf dem Weg zur Arbeit abgebe, schlage ich zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe.
If I drop off the package on my way to work, I'll kill two birds with one stone.
In the literal meaning, 'Klappe' is often combined with verbs like 'öffnen' (to open), 'schließen' (to close), 'aufmachen' (to open), or 'zumachen' (to close). Typical objects are 'Briefkasten' (mailbox), 'Mülleimer' (trash can), or 'Ofen' (stove/oven).
Bitte mach die Klappe vom Mülleimer wieder zu.
Please close the flap of the trash can again.
You can recognize the meaning 'Filmklappe' (film clapperboard) from the context. Words like 'Film' (film), 'Szene' (scene), 'Regie' (direction), 'Ton' (sound), or a count like 'die Erste!' (take one!) point to a film shoot.
Der Regisseur rief: „Und bitte! Ton ab, Kamera läuft, Klappe!"
The director called, "And... action! Sound rolling, camera rolling, clapper!"
door
'die Tür' and 'die Klappe' can both close an opening. The difference is mainly in the type and size. A 'Tür' is usually used for rooms, houses, cars, or cabinets when you can pass through it or open something larger. A 'Klappe' is often smaller and is found on a box, mailbox, stove, or device. The words can be confused because both are movable and can be opened. A practical tip: for a room, say 'Tür'; for a small lid or compartment, 'Klappe' is more likely.
Am Briefkasten ist die Klappe kaputt, deshalb wird die Post nass.
The flap on the mailbox is broken, so the mail gets wet.
Nach der Arbeit öffnet Tom die Tür und stellt die Einkaufstaschen in den Flur.
After work, Tom opens the door and puts the shopping bags in the hallway.