01
die Mühle
mill
A building with a system in which grain (e.g., wheat or rye) is ground into flour.
example
Die alte Windmühle am Dorfrand wird heute als Museum genutzt.
The old windmill on the edge of the village is used as a museum today.
die Mühle
mill
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Mühle' (mill/grinder) is closely related to the verb 'mahlen' (to grind). So a 'Mühle' is a place or a device where or with which something is ground, for example grain into flour.
EXAMPLE
Früher brachten die Bauern ihr Korn zur Mühle, um es mahlen zu lassen.
In the past, farmers brought their grain to the mill to have it ground.
Meaning in context
To understand the meaning of 'Mühle' (mill/grinder), pay attention to the context. Compound words like 'Windmühle' (windmill) or 'Wassermühle' (watermill) refer to a building, while 'Kaffeemühle' (coffee grinder) or 'Pfeffermühle' (pepper grinder) mean a small kitchen device. Without an added word, in conversation it often refers to the board game.
EXAMPLE
Für frischen Pfeffer benutze ich am liebsten meine alte Mühle.
For fresh pepper, I prefer to use my old grinder.
Use as a game
When 'Mühle' (Nine Men's Morris) refers to the board game, it is almost always used with the verb 'spielen' (to play). In this context, no article is often used.
EXAMPLE
Wollen wir eine Partie Mühle spielen?
Shall we play a game of Nine Men's Morris?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'Die Mühlen der Justiz mahlen langsam' (the wheels of justice turn slowly) is a fixed expression. It is used to criticize the fact that legal or bureaucratic processes take a very long time.
EXAMPLE
Bis er sein Geld zurückbekommt, kann es dauern, denn die Mühlen der Justiz mahlen langsam.
It may take a while before he gets his money back, because the wheels of justice turn slowly.
Compare with
Mühle vs Kiste
box / crate
'Kiste' and 'Mühle' can be used colloquially for an old or poorly functioning device or vehicle. In this use, both words sound fairly informal and often a bit derogatory. 'Kiste' is used especially for an old car, or also for a computer. In this similar colloquial sense, 'Mühle' can also mean something old or sluggish, but it is not equally suitable in every situation. The words can be confused because neither one describes the exact object, but rather emphasizes its poor quality. In neutral language, it is better to say exactly whether you mean a car, a computer, or another device.
Mühle
Mit dieser langsamen Mühle dauert das Hochfahren fast zehn Minuten.
With this slow old machine, booting up takes almost ten minutes.
Kiste
Diese alte Kiste springt morgens nur noch mit Mühe an.
This old thing barely starts in the morning anymore.
In real life
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