die Scheide
sheath
A cover for a blade, such as a sword or a knife.
EXAMPLE
Der Ritter zog sein Schwert aus der ledernen Scheide.
The knight drew his sword from the leather sheath.
die Scheide
sheath / vagina
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Meanings
die Scheide
vagina
The vagina; a part of the female sex organs.
EXAMPLE
Im Biologieunterricht lernten sie den Aufbau der Scheide kennen.
In biology class, they learned about the structure of the vagina.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Scheide' (sheath/vagina) is derived from the verb 'scheiden' (to separate), which means 'trennen' (to separate). In both meanings, the word describes something that forms a dividing line: the cover that separates the blade from the outside world, or an organ that marks a boundary between the body and the outside.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Wege scheiden sich hinter dem Hügel.
The two paths separate behind the hill.
Context clue
The two meanings of 'Scheide' (sheath/vagina) are used in completely different contexts, so confusion almost never occurs. If the topic is weapons such as 'Schwert' (sword) or 'Messer' (knife), it means the cover. In a medical or biological context, it means the vagina.
EXAMPLE
Der Dolch steckte in einer verzierten Scheide.
The dagger was in an ornate sheath.
Typical collocations
When 'Scheide' means the cover for a blade, the typical verbs are 'ziehen' (to draw/take out) and 'stecken' (to put in). You draw a sword 'aus der Scheide' (from the sheath) and put it 'in die Scheide' (into the sheath).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Kampf steckte der Krieger sein Schwert zurück in die Scheide.
After the fight, the warrior put his sword back into the sheath.
Register and usage
For the meaning 'Vagina,' 'Scheide' is the medically correct and neutral term. It is used in technical language, in biology class, and in factual conversations about the body.
EXAMPLE
Bei der gynäkologischen Untersuchung wird auch die Scheide kontrolliert.
During the gynecological examination, the vagina is also checked.
Compare with
Scheide vs Klinge
blade
When talking about a sword, both words belong to the same context but refer to different parts. The „Klinge“ is the sharp, cutting part of the weapon. The „Scheide“ is the cover in which the blade is kept. Use Klinge or Scheide depending on which part you mean.
Scheide
Der Ritter steckte das Schwert vorsichtig in die Scheide.
The knight carefully put the sword into its sheath.
Klinge
Die Klinge des Schwertes glänzte im Licht.
The sword’s blade gleamed in the light.
In real life
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