die Schneide
cutting edge
The sharp edge of a tool or weapon used for cutting.
EXAMPLE
Die Schneide des Messers ist so scharf, dass man vorsichtig sein muss.
The cutting edge of the knife is so sharp that you have to be careful.
die Schneide
cutting edge
die Schneide, die Schneiden
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Meanings
auf Messers Schneide
on a knife-edge
In an uncertain or critical situation where a small difference can determine the outcome.
EXAMPLE
Das Spiel stand bis zur letzten Minute auf Messers Schneide.
The game was on a knife-edge until the last minute.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Schneide, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schneiden |
| genitive | der Schneide |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Schneide | die Schneiden |
| accusative | die Schneide | die Schneiden |
| dative | der Schneide | den Schneiden |
| genitive | der Schneide | der Schneiden |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Schneide' (cutting edge) belongs to the same word family as 'schneiden' (to cut). It therefore refers to the part of a tool that comes into direct contact with the material during cutting.
EXAMPLE
Die Schneide des Hobels muss regelmäßig geschärft werden.
The cutting edge of the plane needs to be sharpened regularly.
Typical collocations
'Schneide' (cutting edge) is particularly often used with expressions describing the sharpness and condition of a tool: 'eine scharfe oder stumpfe Schneide' (a sharp or blunt cutting edge), 'die Schneide schärfen' (to sharpen the cutting edge), or 'die Schneide schleifen' (to grind the cutting edge).
EXAMPLE
Die stumpfe Schneide der Schere kann den Stoff beschädigen.
The blunt cutting edge of the scissors can damage the fabric.
Fixed expression
In the fixed expression 'auf Messers Schneide stehen' (to be on a knife-edge), 'Schneide' (cutting edge) describes a situation whose outcome is still uncertain. The expression is often used for games, negotiations, or important decisions.
EXAMPLE
Ob die Firma gerettet werden kann, steht noch auf Messers Schneide.
Whether the company can be saved is still on a knife-edge.
In real life
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