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die Klinge
blade
The sharp, cutting part of a tool or weapon, for example a knife, sword, or razor.
example
Die Klinge dieses Küchenmessers ist extrem scharf.
The blade of this kitchen knife is extremely sharp.
die Klinge
blade
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
The 'Klinge' (blade) is often described with the adjectives 'scharf' (sharp) or 'stumpf' (dull). Typical verbs are 'die Klinge schärfen' (to sharpen the blade) or 'die Klinge wechseln' (to change the blade), for example with a razor.
EXAMPLE
Vorsicht, die Klinge des neuen Messers ist sehr scharf.
Careful, the blade of the new knife is very sharp.
Sentence structure of the idiom
The idiom 'über die Klinge springen lassen' (to sacrifice, to let something be cut down) always needs an accusative object. This object is the person or thing that is sacrificed or ruined.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma musste wegen der Krise einige Mitarbeiter über die Klinge springen lassen.
Because of the crisis, the company had to sacrifice some employees.
Context clue
The literal meaning of 'Klinge' (blade) usually refers to concrete tools such as knives, scissors, or swords. The figurative meaning occurs almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'über die Klinge springen lassen' (to sacrifice, to ruin).
EXAMPLE
Die Klinge der Gartenschere ist voller Harz.
The blade of the pruning shears is covered in resin.
Compare with
Klinge vs Spitze
tip / top / lace
'die Spitze' and 'die Klinge' can both be part of a knife or a similar object. 'die Spitze' is the narrow, pointed end. 'die Klinge' is the sharp part used for cutting. On a knife, the tip is at the end of the blade, but it is not the whole blade. The words are easy to confuse when talking about sharp tools. If it is about cutting, 'Klinge' fits better; if it is about the end, 'Spitze' fits better.
Klinge
Nach dem Kochen spült Lisa die Klinge vorsichtig ab.
After cooking, Lisa carefully rinses off the blade.
Spitze
Die Spitze des Messers ist abgebrochen, deshalb kann man damit nicht gut einstechen.
The tip of the knife has broken off, so it is hard to pierce anything with it.
In real life
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