der Leim
glue
An adhesive used to join materials such as wood, paper, or cardboard together.
EXAMPLE
Um den zerbrochenen Stuhl zu reparieren, brauchst du Holzleim.
To repair the broken chair, you need wood glue.
der Leim
glue
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Meanings
jemandem auf den Leim gehen
to be taken in
To be deceived or tricked by someone.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir eine unglaubliche Geschichte erzählt und ich bin ihm voll auf den Leim gegangen.
He told me an unbelievable story, and I was completely taken in by him.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem auf den Leim gehen' (to be taken in by someone / to fall for someone's trick) is fixed. The person doing the deceiving is in the dative. The structure is always 'Person (Dativ) + auf den Leim gehen'.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann nicht glauben, dass ich ihm auf den Leim gegangen bin.
I can't believe I was taken in by him.
Origin of the expression
The image comes from bird hunting. In the past, branches were coated with 'Leim' (glue) to catch birds. A bird that 'auf den Leim ging' (went onto the glue) was therefore caught and deceived. This image helps you remember the meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Betrüger waren sehr überzeugend; viele Leute sind ihnen auf den Leim gegangen.
The scammers were very convincing; many people were taken in by them.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'Leim' (glue) is often connected with the material it is intended for. Common compounds are 'Holzleim' (wood glue) or 'Papierleim' (paper glue).
EXAMPLE
Für Bastelarbeiten mit Papier reicht einfacher Bastelleim.
For paper crafts, simple craft glue is enough.
Compare with
Leim vs Kleber
glue / sticker
Kleber is a general term for a substance that bonds objects together. Leim is also a type of glue, but it is used especially for wood, paper, or cardboard. For other materials, Kleber is therefore usually the better choice.
Leim
Für den kaputten Holzstuhl nimmt Tom einen starken Leim.
Tom uses a strong glue for the broken wooden chair.
Kleber
Für das kaputte Plastikspielzeug nimmt Tom einen starken Kleber.
Tom uses a strong adhesive for the broken plastic toy.
In real life
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