01
der Köder
bait
Something used to attract and catch animals, especially fish.
example
Der Angler befestigte einen Wurm als Köder am Haken.
The angler attached a worm to the hook as bait.
der Köder
bait
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Köder' (bait) is directly connected to the verb 'ködern' (to bait/lure). 'Jemanden ködern' means to attract or entice someone with bait.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma ködert neue Mitarbeiter mit hohen Gehältern.
The company lures new employees with high salaries.
Context clue
The meaning is easy to distinguish: if it is about animals, fishing, or hunting, 'der Köder' (bait) is something used for catching. If it is about people, offers, or advertising, it means a temptation or lure.
EXAMPLE
Für die Mäusefalle habe ich Käse als Köder verwendet.
I used cheese as bait for the mousetrap.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'Köder' (bait) is often used with verbs of placing. Typical phrases are 'einen Köder auslegen' (to lay out bait), 'einen Köder anbringen' (to attach bait), or 'ein Köder hängt am Haken' (bait is hanging on the hook).
EXAMPLE
Der Jäger legte einen Köder aus, um den Fuchs anzulocken.
The hunter laid out bait to attract the fox.
Typical expressions (figurative)
In the figurative meaning, there are fixed expressions. When someone responds to a temptation, you say they 'beißt an' (take the bait). When someone falls for a trick, they have 'auf den Köder hereingefallen' (fallen for the bait).
EXAMPLE
Er ist auf den Köder mit dem schnellen Geld hereingefallen.
He fell for the bait of quick money.
Compare with
Köder vs Versuchung
temptation
'die Versuchung' and 'der Köder' can both refer to something that lures someone into taking an action. 'Versuchung' is more about the inner appeal or desire to do something, even though you know it may be wrong or unwise. It can also be a thing or person that triggers this desire. 'Köder' puts more emphasis on someone or something being deliberately used to lure someone in. In a figurative sense, a Köder is often a means of getting someone to take a particular action. The words can be confused because both have to do with temptation or enticement. 'Versuchung' fits more with the feeling; 'Köder' fits more with a deliberate trap or strategy.
Köder
Das kostenlose Handy war nur ein Köder, damit Kunden den teuren Vertrag unterschreiben.
The free phone was just bait to get customers to sign the expensive contract.
Versuchung
In der Pause war die Versuchung groß, statt zu lernen ein Spiel zu starten.
During the break, the temptation to start a game instead of studying was strong.
In real life
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