01
die Koppel
paddock
A fenced pasture area where farm animals, especially horses, are kept.
example
Die Pferde galoppierten frei auf der großen Koppel.
The horses galloped freely in the large paddock.
die Koppel
paddock / belt
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The two meanings of 'Koppel' (paddock/belt) are very different. The context makes clear what is meant: if people are talking about animals, farms, or pastures, it means the fenced area. If it is about uniforms, the military, or the police, it means the belt.
EXAMPLE
Die Kühe stehen auf der Koppel und fressen Gras.
The cows are standing in the paddock and eating grass.
Typical collocations (pasture)
When the pasture is meant, 'Koppel' (paddock) often appears together with words like 'Pferde' (horses), 'Tiere' (animals), 'weiden' (to graze), or 'stehen' (to stand/be). The most important preposition is 'auf' (on/in).
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer bringt die Pferde jeden Morgen auf die Koppel.
The farmer takes the horses to the paddock every morning.
Correct preposition (pasture)
For the meaning 'Weide' (pasture), the preposition 'auf' (on/in) is crucial. A distinction is made between direction (accusative) and location (dative).
EXAMPLE
Wir bringen die Schafe auf die Koppel.
We are taking the sheep to the paddock.
Typical collocations (belt)
In the meaning 'Gürtel' (belt), 'Koppel' is often used with verbs like 'tragen' (to wear/carry) or 'befestigen' (to attach). The most important preposition here is 'an' (on/to).
EXAMPLE
Der Wanderer befestigte seine Trinkflasche an der Koppel.
The hiker attached his water bottle to his belt.
Compare with
Koppel vs Wiese
meadow
'Wiese' and 'Koppel' can both be grassy areas, especially in the countryside. 'Wiese' is more general: grass and herbs grow there, and it does not have to be fenced in. A 'Koppel' (paddock) is a fenced area where animals are kept, especially horses. The words can be confused because a 'Koppel' often looks like a 'Wiese'. The important points are the fence and the use: for an open grassy area, say 'Wiese'; for a fenced animal area, 'Koppel' is more likely.
Koppel
Die Pferde bleiben heute auf der Koppel neben dem Stall.
The horses are staying in the paddock next to the stable today.
Wiese
Wir suchen eine Wiese, auf der wir in der Pause sitzen können.
We are looking for a meadow where we can sit during the break.
In real life
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