01
die Schraube
screw
A cylindrical metal pin with a thread and a head, used to connect or fasten things together.
example
Ich muss diese Schraube mit einem Schraubenzieher festziehen.
I need to tighten this screw with a screwdriver.
die Schraube
screw
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Schraube' (the screw) is inseparably connected to the verb 'schrauben' (to screw). The action of using a screw to fasten something is called 'schrauben' (to screw).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir helfen, dieses Regal an die Wand zu schrauben?
Can you help me screw this shelf to the wall?
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Schraube' (screw) from context. In crafts or manual work, it refers to the metal part; with ships, to the propeller; and in sports, to a twisting figure.
EXAMPLE
Für den neuen Schrank fehlen uns noch zwei Schrauben.
We still need two screws for the new cabinet.
Typical verbs
In a craft or DIY context, 'Schraube' (screw) is often used with specific verbs: you can 'festziehen' or 'anziehen' (tighten) a screw, but also 'lockern' or 'lösen' (loosen) it.
EXAMPLE
Die Schraube am Stuhlbein ist locker, du musst sie wieder festziehen.
The screw on the chair leg is loose; you need to tighten it again.
Fixed expression
The expression 'eine Schraube locker haben' (to have a screw loose) is colloquial and means that someone is crazy. The person being referred to is the subject of the verb 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Er redet mit seinen Pflanzen. Ich glaube, er hat eine Schraube locker.
He talks to his plants. I think he has a screw loose.
Compare with
Schraube vs Mutter
mother / nut
'die Mutter' and 'die Schraube' can occur together when fastening things, but they are not the same. A screw is the pin with a thread and usually a head. A nut is the small metal piece with an internal thread that you screw onto a screw or bolt. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear in the same tool or furniture context. Practically speaking: the screw goes through the material, and the nut is screwed onto it.
Schraube
Im Büro hat ihr Kollege heute eine lockere Schraube am Stuhl festgezogen.
At the office today, her colleague tightened a loose screw on the chair.
Mutter
Beim Aufbau des Regals fehlte eine Mutter für die lange Schraube.
While assembling the shelf, a nut for the long screw was missing.
In real life
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