01
das Pedal
pedal
A lever operated with the foot on a vehicle, musical instrument, or machine.
example
Er trat kräftig in die Pedale, um den Berg hinaufzukommen.
He pedaled hard to get up the hill.
das Pedal
pedal
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Meanings
Usage tips
Common compounds
'Pedal' is often the base word in compounds that describe the function more precisely. The most common are 'Gaspedal' (accelerator pedal), 'Bremspedal' (brake pedal), and 'Kupplungspedal' (clutch pedal) in a car, as well as 'Klavierpedal' (piano pedal).
EXAMPLE
Um zu beschleunigen, musst du das Gaspedal drücken.
To accelerate, you have to press the accelerator pedal.
Fixed expression
The expression 'in die Pedale treten' is very common and means to pedal hard on a bicycle. 'Pedale' is almost always plural here.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen kräftig in die Pedale treten, wenn wir den Zug noch erwischen wollen.
We have to pedal hard if we still want to catch the train.
Typical verbs
Different verbs are used depending on the context. On a bicycle, you 'tritt in die Pedale' (pedal). In a car, on a sewing machine, or at a piano, you 'drückt' (press) or 'betätigt' (operate) the pedal.
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer trat das Bremspedal voll durch.
The driver pressed the brake pedal all the way down.
Compare with
Pedal vs Hebel
lever
'der Hebel' and 'das Pedal' can both be parts of a device or vehicle that trigger a function. The important difference is how they are operated: you usually move a 'Hebel' with your hand, or it is a general mechanical part. A 'Pedal' is always a lever that you operate with your foot. Learners may confuse the words because, technically, a pedal is also a kind of lever. In everyday language, however, you say 'Pedal' when you use your foot, for example in a car, on a bicycle, or on a piano.
Pedal
Beim Anfahren drückt sie vorsichtig auf das Pedal.
When starting off, she carefully presses the pedal.
Hebel
Tom zieht den Hebel nach unten, und die Maschine startet.
Tom pulls the lever down, and the machine starts.
In real life
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