scam / stitch
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scam / trick
Colloquial for a trick, ruse, or method, often dishonest, used to achieve a particular goal.
Die Polizei warnt vor einer neuen Masche von Betrügern am Telefon.
The police are warning about a new scam by telephone fraudsters.
You can tell from context whether a trick (m01) or a loop in fabric (m02) is meant. With the meaning 'trick', the context is often about fraud, police, or deception. With 'loop', it is about knitting, clothing, or nets.
Fallen Sie nicht auf diese billige Masche herein!
Don't fall for this cheap scam!
In connection with a trick, 'Masche' (scam/trick) is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'auf eine Masche hereinfallen' (to fall for a scam), 'eine Masche durchschauen' (to see through a scam), or simply 'die alte Masche' (the old trick).
Er hat ihre Masche sofort durchschaut und nicht bezahlt.
He saw through her scam immediately and didn't pay.
In the meaning 'trick' or 'ruse', 'Masche' is a colloquial word. It often has a negative or dismissive connotation.
Das ist doch nur eine Masche, um an dein Geld zu kommen.
That's just a scam to get your money.
When it comes to knitting or crocheting, typical phrases are 'eine Masche fallen lassen' (to drop a stitch), 'eine Masche aufnehmen' (to pick up a stitch), or 'feste Maschen häkeln' (to crochet single stitches).
Wenn du eine Masche fallen lässt, kann der ganze Schal kaputtgehen.
If you drop a stitch, the whole scarf can be ruined.
In the meaning 'typical pattern of behavior' too, 'Masche' is colloquial. It describes a characteristic, often repeated way in which someone behaves.
Sei nicht böse, das ist einfach seine Masche, um Aufmerksamkeit zu bekommen.
Don't be mad; that's just his routine for getting attention.
kind / way
'die Art' and 'die Masche' can both describe how someone does something or how someone typically behaves. 'Art' is neutral and can be positive, negative, or simply descriptive. 'Masche' is colloquial and often sounds critical. It often means a trick, a ruse, or typical behavior that someone uses to achieve something. The words can be confused because both can mean a way or method. If you want to speak neutrally, use 'Art'. If it sounds like a trick or noticeable behavior, 'Masche' fits better.
Herr Schneider kennt diese Masche und unterschreibt den Vertrag nicht sofort.
Mr. Schneider knows this trick and does not sign the contract right away.
Die ruhige Art der Ärztin hat das Kind schnell beruhigt.
The doctor's calm manner quickly reassured the child.