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
eine Schraube locker haben
to have a screw loose
A colloquial expression meaning that someone is crazy or not quite right in the head.
EXAMPLE
Er will im Winter im See baden? Der hat doch eine Schraube locker!
He wants to swim in the lake in winter? He must have a screw loose!
die Schraube
propeller
A propeller, especially on a ship or airplane, that provides propulsion through its rotation.
EXAMPLE
Die Schraube des Schiffes wurde durch Treibgut beschädigt.
The ship's propeller was damaged by floating debris.
die Schraube
twist
In sports, a figure in which the body rotates around its own longitudinal axis during a jump.
EXAMPLE
Die Turnerin zeigte einen perfekten Salto mit doppelter Schraube.
The gymnast performed a perfect somersault with a double twist.
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 Bolzen
bolt
Both words refer to metal parts that can be used to connect components. A Schraube has a thread and is turned into a material or a matching opening. A Bolzen is usually a short, thick pin without such a thread and is inserted into an opening. The type of fastening therefore determines which one to choose.
Schraube
Für das Regal drehte er eine Schraube mit Gewinde in die Wand.
For the shelf, he drove a threaded screw into the wall.
Bolzen
Für die Verbindung der Maschinenteile schob der Techniker einen dicken Bolzen durch die Öffnung.
To connect the machine parts, the technician pushed a thick bolt through the opening.
In real life
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