die Rassel
rattle
An object that makes a rattling sound when shaken, especially a toy for small children or a simple rhythm instrument.
EXAMPLE
Das Baby schüttelte die bunte Rassel und lachte.
The baby shook the colorful rattle and laughed.
die Rassel
rattle
die Rassel, die Rasseln
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Meanings
die Rassel
rattle
The rattling end of a rattlesnake's tail, which it moves when threatened to produce a warning sound.
EXAMPLE
Als der Hund näher kam, ließ die Klapperschlange ihre Rassel ertönen.
When the dog came closer, the rattlesnake sounded its rattle.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Rassel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Rasseln |
| genitive | der Rassel |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Rassel | die Rasseln |
| accusative | die Rassel | die Rasseln |
| dative | der Rassel | den Rasseln |
| genitive | der Rassel | der Rasseln |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
'Rassel' belongs to the word family of 'rasseln' (to rattle) and refers to an object that produces a rattling sound when moved. The connection to the sound can help you remember the word.
EXAMPLE
Die Rassel macht ein leises Geräusch, wenn man sie bewegt.
The rattle makes a soft sound when you move it.
Typical collocations
When 'Rassel' means a toy or instrument, it is often used with verbs such as 'schütteln' (to shake), 'kaufen' (to buy), or 'benutzen' (to use). Typical contexts include babies, small children, and musical activities.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind schüttelte die Rassel im Takt zur Musik.
The child shook the rattle in time with the music.
Context clue
The meaning referring to the end of a snake's tail can usually be recognized from words such as 'Klapperschlange' (rattlesnake), 'Schwanz' (tail), or 'Gefahr' (danger). In this context, the rattle is the animal's warning signal.
EXAMPLE
Als der Wanderer die Rassel der Klapperschlange hörte, blieb er sofort stehen.
When the hiker heard the rattlesnake's rattle, he stopped immediately.
In real life
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