die Leiter
ladder
A device with rungs that you use to climb up or down.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche eine Leiter, um die Lampe an der Decke zu reparieren.
I need a ladder to repair the lamp on the ceiling.
die Leiter
ladder / scale
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Meanings
die Leiter
scale
In music, a fixed sequence of notes that move step by step up or down. It is a short form of Tonleiter (musical scale).
EXAMPLE
Der Klavierschüler übte die C-Dur-Leiter.
The piano student practiced the C major scale.
Usage tips
Article and meaning
Pay attention to the article! 'Die Leiter' (feminine) is the device for climbing or the musical scale in music. 'Der Leiter' (masculine) is a person who leads something, for example a boss or manager.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, die Leiter ist wackelig!
Careful, the ladder is wobbly!
Context clue
The context makes it clear which meaning of 'die Leiter' is meant. If it is about crafts, construction work, or reaching a height, it means the climbing device. In a musical context (practicing, playing, singing), it means the musical scale.
EXAMPLE
Um das Dach zu reinigen, stellte er eine Leiter an das Haus.
To clean the roof, he placed a ladder against the house.
Fixed expression
The expression 'die Karriereleiter hochklettern' or 'hinaufsteigen' means to be very successful professionally and to reach one higher position after another.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat hart gearbeitet, um die Karriereleiter schnell zu erklimmen.
She worked hard to climb the career ladder quickly.
Typical collocations
When referring to the climbing device, it is often combined with verbs of position or movement: 'auf eine Leiter steigen' (to climb onto a ladder), 'eine Leiter an die Wand lehnen' (to lean a ladder against the wall), or 'eine Leiter halten' (to hold a ladder).
EXAMPLE
Er stieg vorsichtig auf die Leiter, um die Äpfel zu pflücken.
He carefully climbed onto the ladder to pick the apples.
Use in a musical context
In a musical context, 'Leiter' is a short form of 'Tonleiter' (musical scale). Typical verbs are 'eine Leiter spielen' (to play a scale), 'eine Leiter üben' (to practice a scale), or 'eine Leiter singen' (to sing a scale).
EXAMPLE
Jeder Gitarrist sollte seine Leitern täglich spielen.
Every guitarist should play their scales daily.
In real life
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