das Scharnier
hinge
A movable joint that connects two parts so that they can turn relative to each other, for example on a door or lid.
EXAMPLE
Das Scharnier der Gartentür ist rostig und knarrt.
The hinge on the garden gate is rusty and creaks.
das Scharnier
hinge
das Scharnier, die Scharniere
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Meanings
das Scharnier
hinge
A person, thing, or area that serves as an intermediary between two others and connects them.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt ist ein wichtiges Scharnier zwischen den beiden Wirtschaftsregionen.
The city is an important hinge between the two economic regions.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Scharnier, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Scharniere |
| genitive | des Scharniers |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Scharnier | die Scharniere |
| accusative | das Scharnier | die Scharniere |
| dative | dem Scharnier | den Scharnieren |
| genitive | des Scharniers | der Scharniere |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
With a mechanical hinge, verbs such as „befestigen“ (to attach), „lösen“ (to loosen), „ölen“ (to oil), or „austauschen“ (to replace) are often used. These usually refer to doors, windows, flaps, or lids.
EXAMPLE
Der Hausmeister musste das Scharnier der Kellertür ölen.
The caretaker had to oil the hinge on the basement door.
Movable connection
The „Scharnier“ (hinge) refers to the connection point itself; the parts attached to it can rotate around this point. That is why people often specify which part the hinge is located on.
EXAMPLE
An der alten Truhe ist ein Scharnier locker geworden.
A hinge on the old chest has become loose.
Figurative use
In its figurative meaning, „Scharnier“ (hinge) often appears in political, economic, or social texts. The phrase „Scharnier zwischen“ (hinge between) is typical when referring to two regions, groups, areas, or institutions.
EXAMPLE
Das Land gilt als Scharnier zwischen Europa und Asien.
The country is considered a hinge between Europe and Asia.
In real life
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