plumb line / solder
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plumb line
A tool consisting of a weight on a string that is used to determine an exact vertical line. It is used mainly in construction.
Der Maurer prüfte mit dem Lot, ob die Mauer perfekt senkrecht stand.
The bricklayer checked with the plumb line whether the wall was perfectly vertical.
You can easily recognize the different meanings of 'Lot' from context. Words like 'Mauer' (wall) or 'senkrecht' (vertical) point to the tool, while 'löten' (to solder) or 'Platine' (circuit board) point to the metal. The expression 'im Lot sein' (to be in balance) describes a state.
Der Handwerker benutzt ein Lot, um die Wand gerade auszurichten.
The craftsman uses a plumb line to align the wall straight.
Related to the tool, there is the idiom 'etwas ins Lot bringen' (to bring something into alignment). Literally, it means to align something vertically. Figuratively, it means to bring a disorderly situation back into order.
Wir müssen die schiefe Säule wieder ins Lot bringen.
We have to bring the crooked column back into alignment.
The expression 'im Lot sein' (to be in balance) is often used with 'alles' (everything) or 'etwas' (something) to describe a state. When referring to a person, you use the reflexive form 'mit sich (selbst) im Lot sein' (to be in balance with oneself).
Keine Sorge, bei mir ist alles im Lot.
Don't worry, everything is fine with me.
The meaning as a unit of weight is no longer common today. It is found almost exclusively in historical texts, old recipes, or discussions about the history of measures and weights.
Die Apothekerin wog die Kräuter früher in Lot ab.
In the past, the pharmacist weighed the herbs in lots.
lead
'Blei' and 'Lot' can both have to do with metal or a weight, but they are different words. 'Blei' is a heavy, soft metal; for example, fishing or diving weights can be made from it. 'Lot' can be a tool with a weight on a string that is used to check a vertical line. 'Lot' can also refer to a metal used for soldering. The words can be confused because a 'Lot' used to, and sometimes still can, have a weight made of lead. Still, 'Blei' mainly names the material, while 'Lot' more often refers to the tool or the soldering metal.
Der Handwerker benutzt ein Lot, damit die Wand wirklich gerade wird.
The craftsman uses a plumb line so that the wall will be truly straight.
Beim Angeln hängt Paul ein kleines Blei an die Schnur.
When fishing, Paul attaches a small lead weight to the line.