die Schnur
string / cord
A thin, long, and flexible object made of twisted fibers that is used for tying, fastening, or hanging things.
EXAMPLE
Sie band das Paket mit einer dicken Schnur zu.
She tied up the package with a thick string.
die Schnur
cord / string
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Meanings
die Schnur
cord
The cable of an electrical device that is connected to the power outlet.
EXAMPLE
Die Schnur des Staubsaugers ist nicht lang genug.
The vacuum cleaner's cord isn't long enough.
wie am Schnürchen laufen
to run smoothly
An idiom that means that something works or proceeds completely without problems and very smoothly.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation der Feier lief wie am Schnürchen.
The organization of the celebration ran smoothly.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If it's about tying, crafts, or hanging things up, a normal string or cord is meant. In connection with electrical devices such as a vacuum cleaner or lamp, 'Schnur' (cord) colloquially refers to the power cable.
EXAMPLE
Gib mir bitte die Schnur, ich möchte das Geschenk verpacken.
Please give me the string; I want to wrap the gift.
Typical collocations
In the general meaning, 'Schnur' (string/cord) is often used with verbs such as 'binden' (to tie), 'befestigen' (to fasten), 'zuziehen' (to pull tight), or 'aufwickeln' (to wind up). For example, people speak of a 'Wäscheleine' (clothesline, a cord for laundry) or a 'Paketschnur' (parcel string).
EXAMPLE
Er band die losen Blätter mit einer Schnur zusammen.
He tied the loose sheets together with a string.
Register
Using 'Schnur' (cord) for a power cable is rather colloquial. In technical or more formal contexts, you would use the word 'Kabel' (cable).
EXAMPLE
Zieh bitte die Schnur aus der Steckdose.
Please pull the cord out of the outlet.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'wie am Schnürchen laufen' (to run smoothly) is a fixed unit. The subject of the sentence is always the process or event that is functioning smoothly.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorbereitung für das Fest ist wie am Schnürchen gelaufen.
The preparation for the festival ran smoothly.
Compare with
Schnur vs Kabel
cable
When connecting an electrical device, both “Kabel” and “Schnur” are possible. “Kabel” is the technical, neutral term for an insulated line, while in everyday language “Schnur” often refers to a device’s power cord. In technical or factual texts, “Kabel” is therefore usually more appropriate.
Schnur
Die Schnur meines alten Radios ist zu kurz.
The cord on my old radio is too short.
Kabel
Das Kabel meines alten Radios ist zu kurz.
The cable on my old radio is too short.
In real life
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