01
der Schlauch
hose / tube
A long, flexible, hollow cylinder used to conduct liquids or gases.
example
Im Sommer gieße ich die Blumen mit dem Gartenschlauch.
In summer, I water the flowers with the garden hose.
der Schlauch
hose / tube
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf dem Schlauch stehen' (to be confused / to be slow on the uptake) is a fixed idiom. It is used colloquially when someone does not understand a simple thing at the moment or cannot find a solution.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir das nochmal erklären? Ich glaube, ich stehe gerade auf dem Schlauch.
Can you explain that to me again? I think I'm not getting it right now.
Context clues
The context helps distinguish the main meanings: if it is about water and the garden, it means a water hose. If it is about a bicycle tire and air, it means the inner rubber tube.
EXAMPLE
Der Schlauch ist zu kurz, um die hinteren Beete zu gießen.
The hose is too short to water the back flower beds.
Colloquial use
The term 'Schlauch' (tube) for an item of clothing is colloquial and figurative. It describes a very tight, tube-shaped dress or tight pants.
EXAMPLE
Für die Party zog sie ein enges, schwarzes Schlauchkleid an.
For the party, she put on a tight black tube dress.
Typical compounds
In the meaning 'tube for conducting liquids', 'Schlauch' is often used in compound words, e.g. 'Gartenschlauch' (garden hose), 'Wasserschlauch' (water hose), or 'Feuerwehrschlauch' (fire hose).
EXAMPLE
Bitte roll den Gartenschlauch nach der Benutzung wieder auf.
Please roll up the garden hose again after using it.
Typical verbs
When the bicycle inner tube is broken ('einen Platten haben', to have a flat tire), the typical verbs are 'flicken' (to patch/repair) or 'wechseln' (to change/replace).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss lernen, wie man einen Fahrradschlauch selbst flickt.
I need to learn how to patch a bicycle inner tube myself.
Compare with
Schlauch vs Leitung
management / line
'die Leitung' and 'der Schlauch' can both be something through which water, gas, or other substances flow. The important difference is their form and use. A 'Leitung' is often permanently installed, for example in a wall or under the street. It can also be a cable for electricity or data. A 'Schlauch' is flexible and movable, for example in a garden or on a machine. The words can be confused because both transport something. As a practical rule: if it is permanently installed or part of the technical infrastructure in a building, it is more likely 'Leitung'; if it is movable and bendable, it is more likely 'Schlauch'.
Schlauch
Im Garten liegt der Schlauch neben dem Wasserhahn.
The hose is lying in the garden next to the tap.
Leitung
Nach dem Frost ist eine Leitung im Keller geplatzt.
After the frost, a pipe in the basement burst.
In real life
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