mousetrap
die Mausefalle, die Mausefallen
Loading your saved state.
mousetrap
A device used to catch or kill mice, usually by luring them with bait.
Wir haben im Keller eine Mausefalle aufgestellt, weil dort Mäuse leben.
We set up a mousetrap in the basement because there are mice living there.
mousetrap
Figuratively, a dangerous situation or place that is difficult or impossible to escape from.
Als die Soldaten beide Ausgänge besetzten, saßen die Flüchtenden in einer Mausefalle.
When the soldiers occupied both exits, the fleeing people were caught in a mousetrap.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Mausefallen |
| genitive | der Mausefalle |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Mausefalle | die Mausefallen |
| accusative | die Mausefalle | die Mausefallen |
| dative | der Mausefalle | den Mausefallen |
| genitive | der Mausefalle | der Mausefallen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Mausefalle' (mousetrap) is made up of 'Maus' (mouse) and 'Falle' (trap). Literally, it is a trap for mice.
Die Mausefalle steht hinter dem Schrank.
The mousetrap is behind the cupboard.
In its literal meaning, 'Mausefalle' (mousetrap) is often used with verbs such as 'aufstellen' (to set up), 'auslegen' (to lay out), and 'kontrollieren' (to check). Bait is also often mentioned in connection with a mousetrap.
Jeden Morgen kontrolliert er die Mausefalle auf dem Dachboden.
Every morning, he checks the mousetrap in the attic.
The figurative meaning is often recognizable from words such as 'entkommen' (to escape), 'Ausweg' (way out), or 'gefangen' (trapped). In that case, 'Mausefalle' (mousetrap) refers to a situation or place with no good way to escape, rather than to a device.
Ohne Ausweg wurde das alte Gebäude für sie zu einer Mausefalle.
With no way out, the old building became a mousetrap for them.
