sheet
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sheet
A large piece of cloth that is part of bed linen and is stretched over a mattress (fitted sheet) or serves as a light cover (bed sheet).
Ich muss noch die frischen Laken auf die Betten ziehen.
I still need to put the fresh sheets on the beds.
sheet
A general term for a large, flat piece of cloth or plastic sheeting that is often used for covering or protecting something.
Die Maler breiteten zum Schutz des Bodens ein altes Laken aus.
The painters spread out an old sheet to protect the floor.
In connection with beds, the verbs 'aufziehen' (to put on/stretch over) or 'beziehen' (to make/cover, as a bed) are often used. You put a sheet on the mattress or make the bed with a fresh sheet.
Kannst du mir helfen, das Laken auf die Matratze zu ziehen?
Can you help me put the sheet on the mattress?
A very common form of 'Laken' (sheet) is 'das Spannlaken' (fitted sheet). This is a sheet with an elastic band that is stretched tightly around the mattress and does not slip.
Ich habe neue Spannlaken für unser Bett gekauft.
I bought new fitted sheets for our bed.
When 'Laken' (sheet) is not used in a bedroom context, it is usually about protection. Typical situations are renovations or moves, where furniture or floors are covered with a sheet.
Bevor wir die Decke strichen, haben wir die Möbel mit alten Laken abgedeckt.
Before we painted the ceiling, we covered the furniture with old sheets.
blanket / ceiling
A Decke keeps you warm while you sleep and is usually thicker. A Laken is a thin piece of cloth that usually covers the mattress, but it can also serve as a light cover. Use Decke for warmth and Laken for a light cover in hot weather.
In der heißen Nacht schlief sie nur unter einem dünnen Laken.
On the hot night, she slept under just a thin sheet.
In der kühlen Nacht schlief sie unter einer warmen Decke.
On the cool night, she slept under a warm blanket.
