curl / decoy
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curl
A single strand of hair twisted in a spiral or ring shape. In the plural, it often refers to curly hair in general.
Das kleine Mädchen hatte eine blonde Locke, die ihr in die Stirn fiel.
The little girl had a blond curl that fell onto her forehead.
decoy
In hunting language, a dummy or artificial object used to attract wild animals.
Der Jäger legte eine Locke aus, um die Enten näher an das Ufer zu locken.
The hunter set out a decoy to lure the ducks closer to the shore.
The noun 'die Locke' (curl/decoy) is closely related to the verb 'locken' (to lure/attract). This connection is direct in the hunting meaning (to lure), but with hair too, the idea of something attractive or curled is also present.
Der Duft des Essens lockte die Gäste in die Küche.
The smell of the food lured the guests into the kitchen.
In the singular, 'die Locke' (the curl) refers to one individual twisted strand of hair. In the plural ('die Locken' (the curls)), it often means a person's entire curly hairstyle.
Er hat von Natur aus Locken.
He has naturally curly hair.
Common combinations are 'Locken haben' (to have curls), 'sich Locken machen lassen' (to have one's hair curled), or adjectives like 'blonde', 'dunkle', or 'wilde' Locken (blond, dark, or wild curls).
Für die Feier hat sie sich beim Friseur Locken machen lassen.
For the celebration, she had her hair curled at the hairdresser's.
The meaning 'Köder' (bait/decoy) is a technical term from hunting language. In almost all everyday situations, 'Locke' refers to hair. The context (hunting, animals, forest) makes the meaning clear.
Um die Krähen anzulocken, benutzte der Jäger eine spezielle Locke.
To attract the crows, the hunter used a special decoy.
bait
Both words refer to something intended to attract wild animals. A Locke is an artificial decoy, whereas Köder typically serves as food and is used to lure and catch animals. Choose Locke for the imitation and Köder for the offered food.
Der Jäger stellte eine künstliche Locke auf, um das Wild anzulocken.
The hunter set up an artificial decoy to lure the game.
Der Angler befestigte einen Wurm als Köder am Haken.
The angler attached a worm to the hook as bait.
