die Trommel
drum
A round musical instrument with a membrane that is struck with sticks or the hands.
EXAMPLE
Der Musiker schlug kräftig auf die Trommel.
The musician beat the drum forcefully.
die Trommel
drum / cylinder
die Trommel, die Trommeln
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Meanings
die Trommel
cylinder
A cylindrical container that holds something, especially the rotating part of a revolver that holds the cartridges.
EXAMPLE
Die Trommel des Revolvers fasst sechs Patronen.
The revolver's cylinder holds six cartridges.
die Trommel
drum
A cylindrical part of a machine or technical device that can rotate and holds, processes, or transports something.
EXAMPLE
Die Trommel der Waschmaschine dreht sich nicht mehr.
The washing machine's drum no longer turns.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Trommel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Trommeln |
| genitive | der Trommel |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Trommel | die Trommeln |
| accusative | die Trommel | die Trommeln |
| dative | der Trommel | den Trommeln |
| genitive | der Trommel | der Trommeln |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can usually tell which meaning is intended from the context: in music, it refers to an instrument; with firearms, to the part that holds the cartridges; and with devices, to a rotating mechanical component. Words such as 'Waschmaschine' (washing machine) or 'Drucker' (printer) point to a technical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Beim Festumzug gibt die Trommel den Takt vor.
The drum sets the beat during the parade.
Die Trommel der Maschine muss vor dem Transport gesichert werden.
The machine's drum must be secured before transport.
Die Trommel im Drucker wurde ausgetauscht.
The drum in the printer was replaced.
Typical collocations
In a musical context, 'Trommel' (drum) often occurs with verbs such as 'schlagen' (to beat) and 'spielen' (to play). The compound 'Trommelwirbel' (drumroll) is also often used for an announcement or before a surprise.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Ansprache gab es einen kurzen Trommelwirbel.
There was a short drumroll before the speech.
Trommel or Fass
When referring to a container, 'Trommel' (cylinder) especially denotes the rotating part of a revolver that holds the cartridges. For large containers holding oil or chemicals, German usually uses 'Fass' (barrel / drum).
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist öffnete die Trommel und nahm die Patronen heraus.
The police officer opened the cylinder and removed the cartridges.
Machine component
In machinery, 'Trommel' (drum) usually describes a round part that rotates or holds material during a process. Common phrases include 'die Trommel dreht sich' (the drum turns), 'die Trommel beladen' (to load the drum), and 'die Trommel reinigen' (to clean the drum).
EXAMPLE
Bitte reinigen Sie die Trommel, bevor Sie neue Wäsche einfüllen.
Please clean the drum before putting in more laundry.
In real life
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