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
die Klingel
ring
The sound that a bell produces.
EXAMPLE
Als ich die Klingel hörte, rannte ich sofort zur Tür.
When I heard the ring, I ran to the door right away.
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 produce a sound that can attract attention. A Glocke is typically a larger, cup-shaped metal instrument, such as one in a church tower. A Klingel is usually a smaller device operated with a button or lever, such as one on a door or bicycle.
Klingel
Die kleine Klingel am Hauseingang ruft die Bewohner zur Tür.
The small doorbell at the entrance alerts the residents that someone is at the door.
Glocke
Die große Glocke im Kirchturm ruft die Menschen zum Gottesdienst.
The large bell in the church tower calls people to worship.
In real life
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