A mechanical or electronic device used to join fabrics or other materials with thread by means of seams.
example
Meine Großmutter hat mir beigebracht, wie man eine Nähmaschine bedient.
My grandmother taught me how to operate a sewing machine.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound made from the verb 'nähen' (to sew) and the noun 'Maschine' (machine). So it is literally a machine with which you sew.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich eine neue Nähmaschine gekauft, um Kleider selbst zu machen.
She bought herself a new sewing machine to make clothes herself.
Typical prepositions
In connection with the sewing machine, two prepositions are important: You sew 'mit der Nähmaschine' (with the sewing machine; instrument) and you sit 'an der Nähmaschine' (at the sewing machine; place of the activity).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Kleid habe ich komplett mit der Nähmaschine genäht.
I sewed this dress entirely with the sewing machine.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Nähmaschine' (sewing machine) are 'bedienen' (to operate), 'einfädeln' (to thread; insert the thread), and 'reparieren' (to repair).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir zeigen, wie man diese alte Nähmaschine bedient?
Can you show me how to operate this old sewing machine?