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.
meter
'der Meter' and 'das Lineal' can both mean a tool for measuring lengths. In this use, 'der Meter' often means a tape measure or a folding ruler. 'das Lineal' is usually flat, has a straight edge, and is used especially for drawing and for smaller lengths. Learners may confuse the words because you can measure with both. For construction work or larger things, 'Meter' sounds more natural as a measuring tool. For school, paper, and straight lines, 'Lineal' fits better.
Im Matheunterricht zeichnet Lena mit dem Lineal eine gerade Linie.
In math class, Lena draws a straight line with the ruler.
Der Handwerker holt den Meter aus der Tasche und misst die Tür.
The tradesman takes the measuring tool out of his pocket and measures the door.