ruler
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ruler
A flat, elongated object made of wood, plastic, or metal with a straight edge and a scale, used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths.
Für die Geometrieaufgabe brauchst du ein Geodreieck und ein Lineal.
For the geometry exercise, you need a set square and a ruler.
The word 'Lineal' (ruler) is closely related to the word 'Linie' (line). It comes from the Latin word 'linea', which means 'line'. So a ruler is literally a tool for making lines.
Mit diesem langen Lineal kannst du eine perfekte Linie über das ganze Blatt ziehen.
With this long ruler, you can draw a perfect line across the whole sheet.
When describing that you are using a ruler as a tool, you almost always use the preposition 'mit' (with) followed by the dative.
Bitte unterstreiche die Überschrift mit dem Lineal.
Please underline the heading with the ruler.
Common activities that you do with a ruler are: drawing a line, measuring something out or measuring a length, and underlining something straight.
Der Architekt zog mit dem Lineal präzise Linien auf dem Bauplan.
The architect drew precise lines on the blueprint with the ruler.
standard / scale / ruler
Massstab can refer to a strip with a scale used for measuring, but this use is more technical or regional. Lineal is the usual everyday term and can also be used to draw straight lines. For measuring short distances, Lineal is therefore usually the more appropriate choice.
Für die kurze Strecke nimmt Mia ein Lineal und zeichnet damit eine gerade Linie.
Mia uses a ruler for the short distance and draws a straight line with it.
Der Techniker misst die kurze Strecke mit einem Massstab aus Metall.
The technician measures the short distance with a metal ruler.
