der Klotz
block
A large, solid, and often roughly worked piece of material, usually made of wood or stone.
EXAMPLE
Der Bildhauer begann seine Arbeit an einem großen Marmorklotz.
The sculptor began his work on a large block of marble.
der Klotz
block / oaf
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Meanings
ein Klotz am Bein sein
to be a burden
To be a burden, an obstacle, or a person that seriously hinders or weighs someone down.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Schulden sind für ihn ein echter Klotz am Bein.
The old debts are a real burden for him.
der Klotz
oaf
Colloquial and derogatory for a clumsy, coarse, or awkward person.
EXAMPLE
Beweg dich mal, du Klotz!
Move it, you oaf!
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The expression 'ein Klotz am Bein sein' (to be a burden/a millstone around someone's neck) is very common. The person burdened by something is in the dative. The expression describes a heavy burden or an obstacle.
EXAMPLE
Diese teure Wohnung ist mir mittlerweile ein Klotz am Bein.
This expensive apartment has become a burden to me by now.
Register: Colloquial
When 'Klotz' (oaf) describes a person, it is colloquial and derogatory. It labels someone as coarse, clumsy, or slow.
EXAMPLE
Was stehst du da rum wie ein Klotz?
Why are you standing around there like an oaf?
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'Klotz' (block) is often combined with the material it is made of. Typical examples are 'Holzklotz' (block of wood), 'Steinklotz' (block of stone), or 'Marmorklotz' (block of marble).
EXAMPLE
Er spaltet den Holzklotz mit einem einzigen Axtschlag.
He splits the block of wood with a single axe blow.
Compare with
Klotz vs Block
block / pad
Block and Klotz both refer to a large, solid piece of firm material. A Block tends to be compact and regularly shaped, whereas a Klotz is usually rough or only minimally worked. Block is more suitable for a clearly shaped piece, while Klotz is more suitable for an irregular one.
Klotz
Der Tischler spaltet einen groben Klotz Holz vor der Werkstatt.
The carpenter splits a rough wooden block outside the workshop.
Block
Der Tischler sägt die Bretter aus einem regelmäßig geformten Block Holz.
The carpenter saws the boards from a regularly shaped block of wood.
In real life
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