01
die Klingel
bell
A device that produces a sound when operated in order to attract attention, for example on a front door or a bicycle.
example
Die Klingel an meinem Fahrrad ist kaputt.
The bell on my bicycle is broken.
die Klingel
bell
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Klingel' (the bell) is derived directly from the verb 'klingeln' (to ring). It refers to the device that performs the action of ringing, or to the sound produced by it.
EXAMPLE
Es klingelt, kannst du bitte zur Tür gehen?
The doorbell is ringing; could you please go to the door?
Context clue
You can often tell whether the device or the sound is meant from the verb. Verbs like 'drücken' (to press) or 'reparieren' (to repair) refer to the device, while verbs like 'hören' (to hear) or 'ertönen' (to sound/ring out) refer to the sound.
EXAMPLE
Der Postbote hat die Klingel gedrückt.
The mail carrier pressed the bell.
Typical collocations
Common word combinations are 'an der Tür klingeln' (to ring the doorbell), 'die Klingel betätigen' (to operate/press the bell), or 'eine Klingel am Fahrrad haben' (to have a bell on one's bicycle). The verb 'klingeln' (to ring) is also often used without the noun 'Klingel' (bell).
EXAMPLE
Ein Radfahrer ohne funktionierende Klingel kann ein Bußgeld bekommen.
A cyclist without a working bell can get a fine.
Compare with
Klingel vs Glocke
bell
'Glocke' and 'Klingel' both have to do with a signal sound. A 'Glocke' is usually a larger metal instrument, for example in a church, and it often sounds loud and full. A 'Klingel' is more often a small device that you press or use to get someone's attention, for example at the front door or on a bicycle. The words can be confused because both make a sound. In practice: for a church, tower, or large metal instrument, 'Glocke' fits better; for a door, bicycle, or short signal, 'Klingel' sounds more natural.
Klingel
An der Haustür ist die Klingel kaputt, deshalb klopfen die Gäste.
The doorbell is broken, so the guests knock.
Glocke
Am Sonntag hört man die Glocke der Kirche schon von weitem.
On Sunday, you can hear the church bell from far away.
In real life
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